Day 8  (8/22/2016)
As of today I've been here for one week. And as of right now I'm writing from a laundromat. I've washed my own clothes for the last 6 years, but having to load everything in a bag, walk it down the street, get quarters, pay the machine, wait for the washer, put everything in the dryer, pay that machine, wait for the dryer, take everything out of the dryer, and finally go home, laundry is much more of a hassle now. But it's another new thing to me and another new part of my routine... it's also something that I have to have the courage to do by myself.
Earlier today I went to Times Square. When I visited New York in the 8th grade I went to Times Square, but it looked different to me then. When I went the first time, there were people dressed as Elmo, The Cookie Monster, Lady Liberty. This time however, I only saw one Elmo. I more so saw places to shop, eat, and sleep. I also noticed many more business men this time than the last. My original reason for going to Times Square was to go to Chase bank and open an account there.... but of course the doors were mysteriously locked and nobody was inside. Instead of getting (completely) frustrated, I persevered down the street and around the corner. I saw an Auntie Anne's and had to get a plain pretzel with cheese. Now, I probably could have found some amazing authentic New York pretzel shop but Auntie Anne's was familiar and reliably delicious.
I needed a new pair of shoes because my favorite pair
of sandals got... lost we'll say. During a degrading battle with a wooden fence. But that's besides the point. I went to Forever21. Not just any Forever21. A four-story Forever21. I entered in on the 4th floor and thought the place was huge from there. Then I saw the third floor, then the second floor, then the first floor and I realized that Washing Square Mall Forever21 needs to step their game up. Although I'm only 18 I can't dress like a teenager anymore, at least I don't want to. I want to be in a professional industry and I also want to be professional as I walk down the street (although I'm currently wearing Convers, ripped jeans, and a band t-shirt).
New York is a funny place when it comes to style: $5,000 business suits are acceptable, $50 business suits are acceptable, grunge is acceptable, school girl is acceptable, metro is acceptable, uptown girl is acceptable, homeless is acceptable, minimalist is acceptable, European is acceptable..... people here don't give a shit about what you look like or what you're wearing. You want to know why? Because they're focused on themselves; as it should be. That was my main reason for wanting to move here in the first place. The people focus on themselves, their goals, their homes, their jobs, their clothes, all of their own doings. I just want to be able to walk the street wearing what I want, going where I want, acting how I want, everything how I want.
When I was scarfing down my pretzel with cheese, I literally just sat down on the edge of the sidewalk in Times Square and ate my freaking pretzel with cheese. No one gave me a second look. Now, in Salem if a seemingly normal girl just sat down on the sidewalk by herself to eat, everyone would stare at her. Because that's not "normal" for Salem. Everyone there likes to be involved in other peoples lives, judge other peoples decisions, and comment on other peoples choices. Bot only for the negative. Rarely for the positive.
I'm happy to be able to call New York my home, and I'm happy to be in a city that doesn't care enough to look twice.
Emily and I have been talking a lot about healthy eating and working out. Having someone who also wants to lead a healthy life as a roommate makes things a lot easier for the both of us. We found a great Clean Eating Grocery List by 'Cassey'. So tomorrow it's time to hit the grocery store again! My parents always told me that I'd appreciate the food I ate, the clothes I wore, and the home I lived in much more once I was the one working for it. I didn't believe them but once again, mom and pops were right. Having clean clothes feels so much better when you had to work to get them clean. Eating dinner is much more appreciated once you can provide it for yourself. Sitting in a living room is much more comfortable when you're putting your own roof over your head.
I appreciate the independence that moving out has taught me, and I appreciate the lessons that being on my own has taught me. It's still scary and I still get lost from time to time; but I'm confident that I'll find my way.