10 Things New York City Would Like to Say to Me

1. Yes, you do still look like a tourist.

2. No, I can’t split your check, stop asking.

3. Oh, you thought catching a cab would be as easy as it looks in the movies? That’s so cute.

4. Man up and cross the street like a real New Yorker.

5. Hey, you can’t just stop here and look at the magazines while you wait for your train. Buy it or leave.

6. No, 7 p.m. is way too early, try leaving your place around 10.

7. Squirrels here are New Yorkers too, they’re kind of abrasive. They only have so much room to live.

8. It’s not called ‘pop,’ it’s soda: I will fight you on this.

9. I am sorry to say you’ve been voted off the island. The City has spoken… And it’s been telling you to stop singing Adele every moment you get.

10. No, no – Staten Island is the borough, not Long Island.

10 New York Lessons in 10 days

1. Don’t shop on the weekend if you can avoid it.

2. Even with the high cost of living, there are still $5 foot-longs at Subway.

3. Although most of the country finds it fascinating, New Yorkers hate working in Times Square.

4. Keep ALL business cards you get - you never know when that person may come in handy.

5. There is no Panera in Manhattan. Note-to-self: Find a new restaurant for a favorite chicken salad.

6. Eating out is expensive. Note-to-self: Learn how to make own chicken salad.

7. If you don’t have fewer than 10 items, be sure to not accidentally get in the express lane. Everyone will hate you.

8. The New York experienced as a tourist and the New York I experienced as a New Yorker = totally different.

9. No iPod? No problem – you can hear at least five different songs coming from headphones on the train at any given time.

10. Buddy the Elf was right, the Yellow Ones don’t stop.

10 Jobs I’m Curious to Try

Often during my time in the city I have thought to myself “I’d take any job I can get,” which made me think as I walk, “What if I really did?”

1. A Street or Subway Performer – As I walk the streets and through the train stations I see many people doing acts in hopes to get tips. Singing, rapping, dancing, drawing, reciting poetry – the most interesting was the girl who played the violin while using a hula hoop. I wonder how much they make in a day… Is it a humbling experience? Do they actually enjoy what they’re doing? What would I do? My options: singing, impressions, talking quickly. Hmmm.

2. Subway Train Conductor - I think it’d be kinda cool to ride at the front of the train going through all the dark, scary tunnels. I really do.

3. Dog Walker – Not gonna lie, I tried to get a job as a dog walker and even that didn’t work out. But who wouldn’t want to hangout with cute puppies in the park? Minus the cold and the dogs going to the bathroom anywhere and every where.

4. Macy’s Perfume Sprayer – I went to Macy’s today and it was a tad overwhelmed. I don’t know how many times I had to say, “I’ve already been helped,” or “No thanks, I am just looking.” Ironically the one time I accepted someone’s help they didn’t have my size in a stack of about 80 pairs of pants – so I only made them feel bad.

5. Doorman – Doorperson (I suppose that is a politically correct term) get to know the tenants in their building really well – like I was able to with frequent costumers at Greyhouse.

6. Taxi Driver - This would be more than slightly terrifying but also really exciting. Plus, I am really curious as to what random conversations taxi drivers hear on a daily basis.

7. Roasted Almonds Street Cart Seller – I just want access to unlimited roasted almonds. But sadly I don’t think it works that way. Bummer.

8. Tour Guide – I love people and talking so why not get paid to mix two things I love! Best part: these people would actually be interested in what I’d have to say!

9. Bank Teller – Staring all day at banks accounts reminding me of all the money I don’t have… On second thought… Maybe not.

10. Real Estate Agent – I love real estate and finding potential in old houses and buildings. In New York this would be very fast paced and tons of work, but enjoyable at time.

One-way Ticket to New York City

Jan. 3, 2012. Mark this day in history – the day Jason Myles moved from his hometown in Indiana to New York City with two checked bags, a carry-on, and starry-eyed dreams.

Early off in the morning I knew this day was different than others – I was totally clean shaven and baby-faced for the first time in years. You would think a guy who is moving to the nation’s most expensive city without a job the same month his student loans start is fairly indepentant – but mom said I had to shave for my first job interview – so I did.

After I look at least two years younger I run a few errands, and we’re off the the airport. I watch as the barren corn fields pass by, not knowing when I will see this much open land again. My only hope is Central Park.

When the time comes to say “good bye” I embrace my mother at the entrance to Terminal B. A woman at the newsstand to my left gives me a smile as she hears my cracking voice utter, “I love you.” And I walk away.

As I am searching for my seat on the plane my watery eyes catch the same woman; she grins as I give her a nod.

A few hours later I am staring out the window overlooking the Manhattan skyline. I am thinking how glad I am to have chosen a window seat facing the city. I can’t help but smile to myself, no tears, just a boyish grin of anticipation.

The city I see before me holds so much: dreams, heartbreak, failures, success, lessons, hardship, highs and lows. All of these I have encountered before, but this times it’s different. This isn’t T-ball, I’m in the big leagues now. I will reach higher, fall harder, dream bigger, fail more, and chase the life of fulfillment I know is out there for me.

This is New York: My home. My City. My New World.