Goodbye, New York

I’m sitting at the Jet Blue terminal at JFK right now and it’s quickly living up to my expectations of amazingness and free wi-fi. With a medium iced coffee from Dunkin Donuts and a place to set up my laptop and write a blog post? I’m a happy girl.

It’s a paradox though, because I am officially leaving New York. In approximately 60 minutes. My roommate helped me carry three suitcases down 5 flights of stairs at 6am this morning. She’s a keeper. We stood on the sidewalk as we said our goodbyes and of course, cried our eyes out. It wasn’t the first time though- we cried at least twice last night as I kept going on about how this is my “last subway ride” and “last walk to our apartment” and “last walk up our horrible five flights of stairs”. I’m a sucker for memories and misery, I guess.

I really cannot believe I’m leaving. I think that’s why I kept reminding myself of my “last moments”. I still feel like I’m going to Texas for a vacation for a few weeks and then I’ll return to New York like always. I haven’t been to Texas for longer than two weeks at a time in the last 4 years. But here I am. Sitting at the airport waiting to board my plane to my new home.

Yesterday was an amazing day. I made to sure to create some lovely final memories of this city. The morning was filled with running errands and taking care of last minute business, but once that was finished, roommate and I had a glorious time. We had a late lunch of S’mac (mac-and-cheese), walked the streets of the Upper West Side, strolled through Central Park, went boating on the lake, and ate homemade brisket and wine for dinner. It really was a wonderful, wonderful time.

While we were sitting in the row boat in the middle of Central Park I kept reminding myself to look around. To look at the beauty surrounding me. To not forget that moment. It was peaceful. The water was calming. The sun was warm, but the breeze was cool. I was surrounded by my favorite people in New York. It really was a perfect way to end this two year adventure.

So yes, I’m incredibly sad to be leaving, but I also know this is right for me. I hate to leave New York, but I also can’t wait to start my new chapter in Texas.