If it Weren't for NYC...

1. I would never feel the euphoria of running through grand central to catch a train just as the doors close behind me, which is second only to hailing a taxi by whistle from more than ½ a block away.

2. I wouldn't know I prefer good lentil soup in the winter over a bowl of chili.

3. I also wouldn't know I like living in a walk up apartment.

4. I would never have been able to perceive the beauty that exists in chaos.

5. I would never realize that somewhere in the world 1/4 inch of snow means people refuse to drive anywhere or that there are people who love going on the roof of their building because its "so cool!" to see snow that hasn't been walked on. If only they could see winter in Walsh!

6. I would not have tried a clam at a clam bake or a steamer, for that matter. I would probably still dislike oysters.

7. I would not know that all umbrellas are NOT created equal – or have fun getting caught in a downpour.

8. I would never cross paths with literally thousands of people everyday that I will never cross paths with again...everyone you meet eyes with on the subway, on the train, in grand central, on the street, in the taxi line...the reminder of just how many people have sat right here, walked on this stair, swiped their metro card here, opened this door, rode in this elevator is pretty moving for a Baca County girl.  I am oftenthisclose to someone and think about whether I will bethisclosetothem again somewhere else in the city and not know it.

9. I would not understand the meditation, praise, challenge, and joy that is Hot Yoga. All of you planning to visit – I’m taking you to try it! :)

10.  I wouldn't see virtuoso musicians standing on the streets or in the subway playing just to play (its beautiful)....but there are plenty of non-virtuosos playing, too. Sometimes you just get lucky. My two favorite subway musicians (I’ve heard them both multiple times) are violinists. The one I put in second place is a professional violinists who clearly loves performing. I like to stop and watch her love the moment she is in. When I hear her playing, I know it is her before I come around the corner and can see her. My favorite subway musician loves the moment just as much as the professional, but he can hardly squeak out the right notes. The music isn’t beautiful, but the old man with the old violin is.