Empire State of Mind

After just one week in this metropolitan maze, it's clear that New York is a city swollen with promises of opportunities and success. Like a faint but persistant voice in the night, the words "anything is possible" haunt natives and tourists alike. It's all too easy to embrace the small fish/big pond feeling.... but even so, the city doesn't feel quite as vast as I had imagined, thanks in great part to my iPhone - which I would truly be lost without. Even so, my phone and I are in a love/hate relationship at the moment. With just under 19 million people buzzing about, it's no wonder I'm dropping more calls than Tiger Woods has girlfriends (bad joke, I know). That aside... that little hand-held device has quickly become my trusted companion... always guiding me where I need to be. Thank you, Steve Jobs :)

The city is simply stunning... twinkling with excitement and activity. And while the snow has mostly melted along the streets, the soil of Central Park remains perfectly frosted with winter's touch. Camera in hand, I spent the whole weekend exploring... searching for the next great shot. There is so much to see, and I don't want to miss a single thing.

The long workdays have provided me with a sense of excitement and accomplishment, while also helping to dilute the sense of loneliness that can only be expected when you plant yourself 3,000 miles away from your home and those you hold closest to heart. I have already connected with old friends from college and other past lives, however even the social engagements, neighborhood explorations and the daily fresh linens and other comforts of my room can't distract me from missing those that I left behind.

Not surprisingly, Empire State of Mind has become my theme song... following me wherever my feet take me. Whether riding the subway on my way to SoHo or strolling through Times Square, I know that it will get easier and that everything is going to work out just in the way that it was meant to. As the song goes, These streets will make you feel brand new... bright lights will inspire you... let's hear it for New York, New York, New York........