{list} : 12 things learned living in nyc.

I made a spur of the moment decision to move to 

new york city from dallas, tx almost 2 years ago.

i actually can't believe i have been here this long.

most days - it still does not sink in that i actually live here - i tend to feel like i'm on an extended vacation.

(which affects my lifestyle from time to time)

i had visited this city many times before making the move - 

but there are just certain "lessons" one learns once they become a resident of this wild place. 

i am an avid "list keeper" (for way too many categories)

so - below are just 12 of the random things i've learned so far:

  

1. every person is kind of a disaster.(or most i've met)

 a work in progress. 

we are all going down our own personal & particular path -

figuring it along the way. 

this is refreshing coming from the south where -

even if you aren't perfect - you act like you are. 

2.  i have become fully confident in my ability to walk 

an absurdly long distance - 

rain, humidity, or snow. 

when people visit - i realize it all over again - 

because my version of "a quick walk" ALWAYS makes them angry. 

3. It's okay to cry walking down the street. 

everyone has done it at least once. 

i personally have had quite a few complete break downs.

nobody notices (or cares). 

4. Always keep an eye out for a Barnes & Noble.

it's the only place i've found with quick access 

to a public restroom. 

5. If you're running late - the excuse "my train was running behind" seems to always be believable & accepted. 

6. You learn quickly how to walk, text, AND DODGE vomit, dog shit, and the occasional homeless sleeper - with grace & ease. 

7. never tell a cab driver an actual address. 

give him the intersection/cross streets. 

and google map it before to make sure you actually 

know where you are headed. 

cabbies aren't stupid - but they act like they are 

for an extra few bucks. 

8. craigslist in nyc is the opposite of craigslist in dallas.

(i.e. all i really knew before was because 

of the Craigslist Killer) 

here - you use it for - well, for everything.

 finding roommates, buying/selling anything, 

looking for random jobs. 

you can't be afraid of craigslist anymore - or well, 

you are just making your life more inconvenient. 

9. cab rides, subway trips & rides up the elevator 

can serve as a vanity table.

and it's acceptable. 

 i typically always leave my apartment with zero makeup on 

& get ready on the way. 

or i have a panic attack about trying to get out the door on time. 

10. don't ever step on a subway vent in the summer 

while wearing a dress. 

dodge the suckers. 

unless you want 20+ people to see your goods.

11. rainy days are a nightmare.

so are grocery stores. 

(mainly bc they never have things like 

black eyed peas or velveeta cheese. 

(*i'm probably the only person who has ever inquired about these items though.)  

12. HUGE LESSON : life without a Sonic, 

Chic-Fil-A, or Target nearby is awful. 

to be continued...