The first thing I am overwhelmed by is the fact that I’m not overwhelmed. I’ve been in big cities before, ridden subways, flown halfway across the world by myself, but for some reason I expected New York to be different.
To be fair, it is different, but everywhere is different. Michigan isn’t Texas which isn’t South Africa and on and on.
Then the heat. Dear God the merciless, unending heat. I have discovered that I am unusually talented at producing sweat. The apartment doesn’t have a/c, and when I would normally hop into a nicely air conditioned vehicle, I am strolling down the streets of New York with my own self produced moisture soaking up my clothes.
Today I found where the school is. I learned on my own how the Subway works. I met up with someone who I keep saying to others is an “old friend” when in truth we never really had the opportunity to call each other friend. She walked me around Central Park, we retreated into air conditioning and chatted about New York, LA, acting, the changing of our faith, and now I feel like I can rightfully call her “friend”.
My feet are sore, I’m miserably hot, I don’t feel ready for my monologue tomorrow, I’m about to order Mexican and have it delivered, and I am so happy. I really am. I feel alive.
14 responses so far ↓
@ngie // July 19, 2008 at 7:17 pm |
Congratulations! Alive is a good thing.
Now when I watch any of the millions of movies set in New York city I can superimpose Natalie walking down the streets, this is gonna be fun!
lane // July 19, 2008 at 9:29 pm |
Movie stars are always shorter in person and that’s what NYC is to the world – just another movie star. One of the most prolific.
It goes LA is number 1, then Dracula, then NYC — then Tommy Lee Jones.
(Rolling Thunder is the mad notes!!!!)
Very cool, Natalie…. the alive thing – not them Yankee streets.
Becca // July 19, 2008 at 9:57 pm |
“Then the heat. Dear God the merciless, unending heat. ”
That had me rolling almost. Haha. Sorry it’s so hot, friend. Better than no heat in South Africa though, eh?
whatireallywanttosayis // July 19, 2008 at 10:37 pm |
Becca: Oh no. No heat in South Africa simply means mounds of blankets, hot tea, and an excuse to do nothing and sit around so you can stay warm.
Without a/c there is no escape from the heat. You soak in it. It is so hot that I took a cold shower and was still able to shave my legs.
I’m not kidding.
J Rizzle // July 20, 2008 at 12:22 am |
I. am. so. happy. for. you.
and proud. so very proud.
see? this is me beaming–> :)
danielle // July 20, 2008 at 12:33 am |
I’m so glad you posted this. Good job! I am going to love reading about your adventures. I hope you are going to love…living your adventures.
Stephanie // July 20, 2008 at 7:07 am |
Congrats to you! NYC is a great city though you are right – different but not different enough when headed for a new adventure.
I’ll be heading over there in August for a visit – my goal? explore art galleries and coffee shops!
Enjoy settling in and delivery mexican food. Life couldnt be better than that!
mom // July 20, 2008 at 7:09 am |
No air, I wondered about that. Do you have a fan, at least? No wonder the regular occupants are going out of town! I was so dissappointed I missed your call yesterday, yet soo happy you called. Does this blog indicate that you do have internet access? I hope that means we will have regular updates. By the way I heard on the radio Friday morning as I was headed home that Clint eastwood and someone else famous were making films right now in Michigan plus they said over 200 more requests to film this year!
Just want you to know that you should get an agent as soon as you get back! NOT KIDDING.
I love you! Dad and I are praying.
alece // July 21, 2008 at 5:00 am |
welcome to new york! home of the yankees, subway musicians, and record-breaking humidity.
i can’t wait to hug you.
Mark // July 21, 2008 at 10:29 am |
The adventure has begun!
Sarah // July 21, 2008 at 1:47 pm |
Wish you were here to hear about my new found appreciation for video games. But glad you are out busy being alive! Journal should be full by the time you return. Miss your company.
Dana // July 24, 2008 at 11:33 am |
Wow! I just popped over and…..you are in NYC now? That’s so cool!! :) :)
Well, if you ever need a break from the busy, city life (and the heat), Boston is only 3.5 hours away! So close…like driving from Flint up to Traverse City. :) Easy peasy! And we’d love to have ya!! :)
D :)
mandythompson // July 24, 2008 at 12:11 pm |
i want to feel alive.
annie // July 25, 2008 at 12:32 pm |
Oy. No heat. I can appreciate that. Has it cooled off any? We were just in D.C, and it was humid, but not unbearably hot (thank you cloud cover). But when there’s so much walking … yes, you do feel it a LOT more.