Two weeks. Two full weeks that I have been working in New York City, and I have to say I am exhausted.
But all in the most exhilarating way possible. Stepping off the plane, I had a feeling that every event that had led to that exact moment was meant to be...as cliche as that sounds.
At first, it didn't seem real. It still doesn't even feel real to me that I am here. The only things that bring me back to reality sometimes are the faint sounds of car horns and sirens. And by faint I mean ear piercing sounds that occur right outside my window at all hours of the night. But I love it. In a round about way they keep me sane.
Naturally, I was nervous, as anyone would be if they were picking up their entire life and moving to a city like New York for the summer. I questioned if I would like living here. I was nervous to meet all of the other interns I would be working with. I didn't know what to expect from a typical work day. I was afraid that I would get lost any time I tried to go somewhere using the subway. I am still figuring out how to find sweet tea in this city, so that part is a work in progress. But, all of my other questions have been answered.
I have made 14 new best friends, almost instantly I might add. Yes, they do remark on the fact that I say "y'all" instead of "you guys," but it's okay because it's all in good fun. I slowly but surely, have figured out the subway system... well sort of.
I rode a train for the second time in my life, and was able to visit a friend who lives an entire state away all within an hour long ride. My free time is spent doing work, work and more work, which is absolutely fine with me because I also happen to have the best job ever. I can't get anywhere in less than 10 minutes unless it's the diner that is so conveniently located across the street from my apartment. But, there is something to be said for being thrown into something and having to just figure it all out for yourself. I have temporarily traded green trees for concrete buildings, and I can honestly say that I wouldn't have it any other way.
Two weeks has felt like a lifetime already but I know that if I blink too fast, then the summer will be over and it will be time to leave. Never have I been to a place that drains me and challenges me in ways that I never thought possible. But never have I been to a place that brings about so much excitement all at the same time.
You can take a girl out of the south, but throw her into this city and she will be a real "New Yorker" in no time.
