Rhys's Pieces

One thousand two-hundred and sixty three.  That is number of days since I packed my bags, got on a plane, and uprooted my life from Kansas to New York City.  

A lot has changed in my life in roughly three and a half years - some for good, some for bad.  But one thing is without question: it has been an adventure I have absolutely no regrets about embarking upon because I am a better person for it.  

This roller coaster ride has seen me gain friends and lose them; completely afraid and completely confident; poor and...well, poorer; depressed and happy; broken hearted and breaking hearts.   I genuinely believe I would not be the person I am today if I had gone through any of those things in any other city in the world.  Before living in New York, I had visited a handful of times, and even lived here for two months in the summer before my senior year of college; but the New York of someone that lives here full-time versus the New York of someone that's only seen it on TV or someone that's visited even 50 times, are not the same place. 

So why am I writing?  Firstly, I want to show people New York City through the eyes of a Midwestern girl instead of what you see on "Sex & the City" or "Law & Order."  Are the men here as abrasive and unbelievable as Carrie and crew portray?  Unfortunately, yes (luckily I don't have to worry about that anymore!).  Are their serial killers that kill prostitutes?  Yes, once in a while (i.e. there is currently an investigation for a serial killer on Long Island where bodies of four prostitutes have turned up).  But there are also so many things inaccurately shown on TV or portrayed by tourists:  the size of living spaces, the glamour of working in the fashion industry, the attraction of places like Times Square or Macy's on 34th Street, or what it's like to rely on public transportation every time you step foot out the door.

Secondly, and more importantly, I want to use this as a venue to stay connected to my friends and family who do not live here.  Believe it or not, there are times I do miss the life I had in Kansas and much prefer it over New York, and maybe this will be a chance for people to understand why.  

I look forward to sharing these pieces of my life with you.  With that I must bring my first post to a close because I've gotta head out for my football game...but more on that later...