A Feat Unlike Any Other

A milestone, I suppose, in one's life is achieving success where it once felt like only the remnants of last night's dream. For me, my milestone came in the form of a 13 hour work day, an exhiliarting sprint on the treadmill overlooking taxis whizzing by Park Avenue and dinner on my couch at 10 p.m. captivated by Lost... I have sucessfully called New York home for the past year.

One year ago, yesterday, I stepped off the plane, somewhat timidly instructed a cabbie to Brooklyn and stepped out of the cab with luggage in tow nearly two blocks away from my first apartment -- apprehension and excitement reverberating through all my thoughts.

I was naive about New York, nervous about the prospects, scared of the streets, excited about my job and eager to make everything I had hoped to be real --- feel real. I can successfully say, one year later, looking back-- I've managed to subside the fear of the streets and resent my job title. Yet, my ambition, my endless hope for something better and optimism have not escaped me. If anything, I've solidified the path I desire to travel and perhaps the best advice I can offer anyone is -- it's not until you've left the nurturing womb of academia and entered the realms of the free world that you truly realize what your heart and mind are made of.

I am learning that, as quickly as this year went by, so to will my life. The freightening thing about it all is if I refuse to do something about the situations I deem unsatisfactory, life will forever remain remnants of the possibilites that are presently at my feet. It's been an incredible experience growing up with my friends here in New York. Learning to deal with the corporate world and the engine that provides the funds with which I squander throughout this miraculous city every day.

I've struggled monetarily this year, but I've managed to finally find some solid ground. And by struggle I mean, I blissfully eat out, socialize and spend frivolously only to remorsefully check my bank balance Monday morning and wonder where it all was spent. This is not to say I've overcome the simple luxurious, but I've managed to begin creating a comfortable padding for me to land on.... baby steps. The best part of it all is relying only on myself for everything that surrounds me. There's no feeling more fantastic than knowing that what you've earned and/or sacrificed is all yours, no thanks but to you and you alone.

I've moved into three apartments this past year. I once read moving ranks top 3 as one of people's most dreaded tasks behind public speaking or something. I'm anxiously awaiting the completion of my lease in September to hopefully make the leap into a studio apartment, on my lonesome, in Manhattan. This, my hope is, will remain my home for some time.

I've rekindled old friendships and made new friends. I've met young professionals in the same boat as myself, and I believe I've stayed true to surrounding myself with only positive folk that evoke the best in me and what I have to offer.

I've garnered a slew of favorite restaurants, shops, cafes, bars and clubs. Many of which I owe to the impeccable taste of my fellow weekenders and closest akin DB and DP.

I've come to appreciate the chaotic sounds, city hustle and unpredictable weather patterns spanning the isle of Manhattan.

I've mastered the transit system, traversed the island from East to West and probably walked more blocks than necessary looking for a location.

I'mve more independent than ever and you sort of have to be in New York. You have to acclamate to the culture of everyone having their own itinerary and busy lives there's not always time to eat out with friends or have accompaniment. You get over it when you realize there's too much to be missing out on out of insecurities.

The view from my subway of Lower Manhattan has not gotten old and some mornings it still surreal to see the sun gleaming off the buildings.

Yet, with everything that I've come to love, appreciate and accept about the City -- there remains a lot left for me to even begin to touch upon. New York has been home for a year now and the strange part is, it's felt like home since day one. So much so, that when I leave, you almost feel like you're missing out on something special. Truth is...you are.

I'm grateful for this year and all the incredible experiences I've had the fortune (because I can gladly say I haven't felt misfortune) to have been a part of my blog-tastic journey.

.... one year ... perfect.