What I will miss

The past few weeks have been such a whirlwind. Getting ready for my final move to Philadelphia, my new job, my new life. It's amazing to me to look around my blank walls and see that 9 years pretty much just ends up as a bunch of boxes and a few things to donate to Salvation Army.

I moved to NYC in 1999. Before the war, before the $(*#$(#! up elections. Before 9/11 changed everything. I moved to NYC before I did stand up, before I quit my job to become a writer. I remember when NYC subways used tokens, and the 7 train still ran the old "red birds". It's just wild to me that this period of my life is now ending, and the next chapter is about to start.

Somebody asked me what I would miss. I think I could write a 100 blogs about that, and then another 100 about all the stuff that I WON'T miss (stay tuned for that later). The thing about Philly is that it's 1 1/2 away. It's not like I can't sneak back one weekend. And in all likelihood I will be buying my wedding gown up here. So I know I will be back. But what will I miss? A lot.

* The people at my job. Most specifically Pat and Tim and Alfie. Best coworkers I know I will ever have. It's so hard to leave Environmental Defense this time, right when it's on the verge of a huge expansion. It's going to be a blast to watch them grow.

* My next door neighbors. They were actors/writers and we collaborated on a few projects. It was so cool to hang out and discuss the industry and brainstorm crazy comedy sketches. I really really am going to miss that creative vibe.

* The Grind. My own private coffee house right down the street from my apartment. I started and finished all 6 of my scripts there.

* Going to the $3 movie theater with my friend Susanna on Tuesdays. There's a really shitty movie theater up the street from me that shows new releases on Tuesdays for half price.

* The old men who play the harmonica and violin in the tunnels of the subway system at 5th Avenue and Grand Central Station. Quite possibly the worst musicians I have ever seen, but by God they made money doing it!!

* H&H Bagels, Lombardi's pizza, and a Greek pastry shop in Astoria.

* My view of Manhattan from my apartment.

* Being able to hang out with Harold and Rob.

* Learning Spanish just by reading subway signs.

* Running the New Years Eve Midnight Run in Central Park.

There are so many wonderful memories I have of NY. And I truly believe that if I can make it here, I can make it anywhere. So bring on the City of Brotherly Love. I'm ready for ya!