Dear New York,
Now that we are in the month of June, you are starting to look appealing again. We become a complicated relationship between New Years Day and now, since during these months you bring nothing to the table except wind, sleet, slush, and smelly subway stations. Since many of us here do not own cars, we are forced to either be that person standing on the corner trying to hail a cab as trucks go by splashing puddles, and as the wind blows our umbrella backwards; or…we surrender to mass transit. While walking carefully down the subway stairs and folding our broken umbrellas in, we cram onto the subway, no one smiles or says good morning. The train is moving at a snails pace because of flooding, or any other issue the MTA can think of. To top it all off, the tourism people of Aruba, always (always) choose to advertise in the subways this time of year, forcing us riders (who avoid eye contact with each other) to just stare at pictures of Aruba for our entire morning commute. We all put up with it though; because we know it is just a phase. Soon enough, women across the 5 boroughs are taking back out the sundresses, and strappy open toe shoes, and men are cat calling from every corner, because they too…are excited for sundress season. So with this pleasant weather again, what am I most excited for? Walking. After months of bank statements that seemed just not right, I can finally fix the lines beyond lines of checking account deductions due to bad weather cab rides. I am again free, to walk and enjoy the scenery.
To clarify, the weather change does not make the subway better. It will still smell, just now it will smell like sweat instead of wet shoes. People will still avoid eye contact with each other, and no one will say good morning; but thankfully the Aruba signs are down (I mean really, just go away Aruba tourism people). Other perks to the new season? Ice coffees are back, and “park days” are once again added to the list of “justifiable reasons why I am going to avoid responsibility today”.
So now, the peak of our love is once again in season. Similar to relationships with people, it is not about seeing someone perfectly; it is about being aware of imperfections, and still thinking they’re the best thing since DVR. New York, your winters suck, your subway service has gotten worse with nothing but a price increase for my ticket to ride, and yes; I believe you are slightly high on something when you post the rents for your apartments. But I am still looking forward to sharing the upcoming, sunny months with you. I plan on being in a pleasant mood, constantly, from now until Labor Day.
Your loyal (and broke) tenant,
Jessica
