New York, You Great Unfinished Symphony...
...you sent for me.
I arrived in New York on September 10, 2008. The primary goal was to finish my education and get on with the whole doctor thing. Secondarily, however, I wanted to live it up and absorb as much of NYC as humanly possible in, what I thought would be, a short period of time.
Eight years passed and as the date of the big move back to California began to approach like a subway train for which you've been waiting an eternity, it became more and more important to create a NYC bucket list to do everything prior to our departure. The more we added to the list, the more it became obvious that "doing everything" was an impossible task.
The truth is there is no end to what you can do and experience in New York. There will always be the show you never saw, the park you never visited, the outdoor movie you didn't get to see, the restaurant at which you did not eat.
So... today I leave you, New York.
My time with you is an unfinished affair and this is my love letter to you. I absolutely refuse to say that we will never meet again, because it's impossible that I will not visit again. We may have some short flings in the future, but the sun has set on our day in the sun.
My wife waits on the other side. My family waits on the other side. A new job waits on the other side. A new To-Do List in a new city awaits me on the other side.
So, start spreading the news. I'm leaving today. Thank you for making me a part of it, New York, New York.
Wednesday, June 29, 2016
Tuesday, June 28, 2016
New York In 30 - Day 28
History Has Its Eyes On You
Over the course of the years, through experience and personal development our perspectives, beliefs, and even our behaviors may change and evolve. Nonetheless there is, generally speaking, a predictive value (whether positive or negative) of our histories to how we will react to future circumstances.
As I rant and rave and have fits of passion about my time living in New York, reflecting on how I've changed and evolved, the reality is that as I stare down a significant change and look back at a very similar circumstance in my life back in September 2008 (namely, moving to NYC in the first place) I realize that my feelings, attitudes, and emotions are essentially unchanged.
Autumn Leaves Must Fall
Over the course of the years, through experience and personal development our perspectives, beliefs, and even our behaviors may change and evolve. Nonetheless there is, generally speaking, a predictive value (whether positive or negative) of our histories to how we will react to future circumstances.
As I rant and rave and have fits of passion about my time living in New York, reflecting on how I've changed and evolved, the reality is that as I stare down a significant change and look back at a very similar circumstance in my life back in September 2008 (namely, moving to NYC in the first place) I realize that my feelings, attitudes, and emotions are essentially unchanged.
Autumn Leaves Must Fall
Monday, June 27, 2016
New York In 30 - Day 27
You'll Be Back, Soon You'll See, You'll Remember You Belong To Me
I suppose this would be a good a time as any to finally openly spill the beans as to the reason for all this nostalgia.
After 8 years in New York, 6 years in training - 3 in Internal Medicine and 3 in Cardiovascular Diseases - Your Humble Observer will be taking his talents to sunny Southern California for subspecialty training in Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology.
It's been a long time coming, but we'll be reuniting with our families and our roots by returning to California for the next chapter in our lives.
I suppose this would be a good a time as any to finally openly spill the beans as to the reason for all this nostalgia.
After 8 years in New York, 6 years in training - 3 in Internal Medicine and 3 in Cardiovascular Diseases - Your Humble Observer will be taking his talents to sunny Southern California for subspecialty training in Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology.
It's been a long time coming, but we'll be reuniting with our families and our roots by returning to California for the next chapter in our lives.
Sunday, June 26, 2016
New York In 30 - Day 26
I May Not Live To See Our Glory, But I will Gladly Join The Fight
Part of assimilating into the life of a New Yorker is becoming a sports expert. The challenge in this is that New Yorkers are born experts in sports - all sports, so from the minute you land at any of the three NYC airports, you're always playing catch-up.
I had always admired hockey from a distance but never felt the pull of allegiance to any particular team. I had always told myself that if I ever landed in a spot with a legitimate hockey culture that I would immediately adopt the local team. Enter the New York Rangers (he said in parentheses).**
I dove head-first into the world of Blueshirts and pretty quickly got caught up in all things NYR. I even attended my fair share of games at Madison Square Garden. Sadly, in my time in New York did not bring with a march up the Canyon of Heroes for the Rangers, but I have found my team for life.
**Sorry kids, at the time that time the New York Islanders were not a Brooklyn-based team, so they were not in contention for the affections of my heart.
Part of assimilating into the life of a New Yorker is becoming a sports expert. The challenge in this is that New Yorkers are born experts in sports - all sports, so from the minute you land at any of the three NYC airports, you're always playing catch-up.
I had always admired hockey from a distance but never felt the pull of allegiance to any particular team. I had always told myself that if I ever landed in a spot with a legitimate hockey culture that I would immediately adopt the local team. Enter the New York Rangers (he said in parentheses).**
I dove head-first into the world of Blueshirts and pretty quickly got caught up in all things NYR. I even attended my fair share of games at Madison Square Garden. Sadly, in my time in New York did not bring with a march up the Canyon of Heroes for the Rangers, but I have found my team for life.
**Sorry kids, at the time that time the New York Islanders were not a Brooklyn-based team, so they were not in contention for the affections of my heart.
Sunday, June 12, 2016
New York In 30 - Day 12
Raise A Glass!
While New York offered me a chance to be a new man it was often my community of friends who made the best of times (and supported during the worst. It would take too long to list the actual best (and worst) of times, but I'm providing a smattering in picture format. Thank you to you all. You helped tell the story.
Saturday, June 11, 2016
New York In 30 - Day 11
Is He In Jersey?
Since my recent travels put the blog on hold, I may as well take advantage of this event in my life to explain that living in New York was not solely about experiencing NYC, but it also opened up a treasure chest of opportunities to visit new and exciting, (and some not-so-exciting) places. Of course, my job has contributed to these travels to some degree especially during the residency search, taking me to such exotic locations as Albany, Syracuse, Buffalo, and Staten Island. But here are the more memorable locations I've visited over the last eight years:
Since my recent travels put the blog on hold, I may as well take advantage of this event in my life to explain that living in New York was not solely about experiencing NYC, but it also opened up a treasure chest of opportunities to visit new and exciting, (and some not-so-exciting) places. Of course, my job has contributed to these travels to some degree especially during the residency search, taking me to such exotic locations as Albany, Syracuse, Buffalo, and Staten Island. But here are the more memorable locations I've visited over the last eight years:
- Washington, D.C. - I've gazed upward at the apotheosis of Washington, sworn eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man at the temple of Jefferson, stood free in same spot as Martin Luther King, Jr. with Lincoln gazing from his throne. I've touched the moon, seen the vessel that gave man flight, and stood awed at the changing of the guard with the backdrop of the magnitude of sacrifice. I've gazed upon the signatures that founded a nation and declared self-evident truths. It is one of the most awesome places to visit and a pilgrimage for everyone.
- Boston, MA - Another immensely rich and historical city where I was able to follow a trail of freedom, hurl the tea into the sea, and sing "Sweet Caroline" wicked good with the locals.
- Upstate New York/Apple Picking - Such a uniquely wonderful experience to see a different side of the state I was living in. Beautiful fall orchards
- The Jersey Shore - Alright, I'll throw some love to New Jersey (not too much though... what kind of New Yorker would I be?). We found an amazing summer spot along the Jersey Shore, specifically Asbury Park where we spent many a lazy summer weekend. I was able to do an informal half marathon just along the boardwalk. It even afforded us the opportunity to reconnect with our Armenian roots in a Return To Asbury. Alright, Jersey, that's it for you.
- Philadelphia, PA - I was able to make several trips to the city of fraternal affection. In fact it was one of the first destinations for YHO almost immediately after moving to NYC (Philos Adelphos). It's another of those cities with deep roots in American history. Not to mention... the food. I was able to sample the two famous cheesesteak shops and do a head to head comparison.
- Cape Cod, MA - One of the first trips we took together and such a perfect location for two nerds who enjoy scoping out lighthouses and used bookstores.
Friday, June 10, 2016
New York In 30 - Day 10
Where have you been? UHHHH... FRANCE?!
I realize that I left you all in breathless anticipation having stopped my countdown abruptly after a measly three posts. I assure you that this small hiatus was simply YHO kicking-ass at a conference in France. Now that I am once again ready to face whatever is facing me in N-Y-C, I will be resuming my daily updates. That's all for now (seriously, my internal clock is all out of sorts).
I realize that I left you all in breathless anticipation having stopped my countdown abruptly after a measly three posts. I assure you that this small hiatus was simply YHO kicking-ass at a conference in France. Now that I am once again ready to face whatever is facing me in N-Y-C, I will be resuming my daily updates. That's all for now (seriously, my internal clock is all out of sorts).
Friday, June 3, 2016
New York In 30 - Day 3
Why Do You Run Like You're Running Out Of Time?
Completing the New York City Marathon in November of 2015 was the culmination of a small personal challenge which began in 2009. It began as a desire to stay fit by trying something new. Six years later as I crossed the five boroughs en route to the grandest of all finish lines in Central Park, it was surreal that it all began with a 3 mile jaunt through the streets of Brooklyn.
Running has been a fantastic physical and mental challenge, but if you stop and consider the fact that over six years I have run in 54 road races across all five New York City boroughs, you'll realize that running was just part of the love affair I have had with this city. Prospect Park, Central Park, Washington Heights, Harlem, Staten Island, Icahn Stadium, Verazzano Bridge, Queensboro Bridge, Brooklyn Bridge, Flatbush Avenue, Coney Island Boardwalk, Grand Concourse, around the Unisphere in Flushing Meadows, Ocean Parkway, West Side Highway, Times Square.
I could go on, but the point is clear. Pounding the pavement in each park, each neighborhood, each landmark was me falling in line with the heartbeat of this city.
Completing the New York City Marathon in November of 2015 was the culmination of a small personal challenge which began in 2009. It began as a desire to stay fit by trying something new. Six years later as I crossed the five boroughs en route to the grandest of all finish lines in Central Park, it was surreal that it all began with a 3 mile jaunt through the streets of Brooklyn.
Running has been a fantastic physical and mental challenge, but if you stop and consider the fact that over six years I have run in 54 road races across all five New York City boroughs, you'll realize that running was just part of the love affair I have had with this city. Prospect Park, Central Park, Washington Heights, Harlem, Staten Island, Icahn Stadium, Verazzano Bridge, Queensboro Bridge, Brooklyn Bridge, Flatbush Avenue, Coney Island Boardwalk, Grand Concourse, around the Unisphere in Flushing Meadows, Ocean Parkway, West Side Highway, Times Square.
I could go on, but the point is clear. Pounding the pavement in each park, each neighborhood, each landmark was me falling in line with the heartbeat of this city.
Thursday, June 2, 2016
New York In 30 - Day 2
Ready To Face Whatever's Awaiting Me in N-Y-C
It's a source of never ending mirth to look back at some of my old writings and reminisce about an era gone by, revisit a frame of mind, and reliving all the emotions that accompany each of these cross sections of time.
It's particularly amusing to see what things brought me joy that today I might consider commonplace, uninteresting, or even, God-forbid, irritating. As I explored the past I can't help but smirk at the naivete of a California boy getting out and building a relationship with NYC. Cases in point:
1. Did anyone ever really care that I rode the subway alone?
2. Has anyone truly written this poetically about public transit?
3. Is Roosevelt Island really that interesting?
Sometimes I wonder if I will ever again live in a place that will inspire such awe. While the next chapters hold a lot of exciting changes, nothing will live up to September 2008
It's a source of never ending mirth to look back at some of my old writings and reminisce about an era gone by, revisit a frame of mind, and reliving all the emotions that accompany each of these cross sections of time.
It's particularly amusing to see what things brought me joy that today I might consider commonplace, uninteresting, or even, God-forbid, irritating. As I explored the past I can't help but smirk at the naivete of a California boy getting out and building a relationship with NYC. Cases in point:
1. Did anyone ever really care that I rode the subway alone?
2. Has anyone truly written this poetically about public transit?
3. Is Roosevelt Island really that interesting?
Sometimes I wonder if I will ever again live in a place that will inspire such awe. While the next chapters hold a lot of exciting changes, nothing will live up to September 2008
Wednesday, June 1, 2016
New York In 30 - Day 1
In New York You Can Be A New Man
The genesis of "Keeping An Eye on the World Going By" took root in a time of great upheaval in the life of Your Humble Observer. As I prepared to cross this great country to begin a new chapter in the big city the blog became a pillar of stability; a place I could emote, vent, and otherwise express my thoughts as I faced what I then considered a difficult journey.
Little did I know that living in New York would become more than just a short stint in a scary yet exciting place just to "get it out of my system". Over the next eight years, New York morphed, as did I. First it was a place to explore as I explored my own plans, desires, and myself. Then it became common, mundane, banal as I began down my young career path and slowly lost touch with the things that made New York the beautiful place it was. Finally, and only at the end of these eight years did I realize that New York had become my home - OUR new home as this was the place my wife and I first set up our first home, the roots of our marriage.
Looking back at those early posts, it's plain to see I clearly have become a new man over the last eight years. Those early posts are so full of wonder of this great city and all the exciting prospects that lay ahead. In the next eight years New York would become the place that I love to hate, a place I hate that I love so much, a place I took for granted, a place I took advantage of.
You all ask, "Are you excited to leave New York?"
No. I'm not.
That doesn't mean I'm not looking forward to the next step and all the excitement that it brings. It just means that this place gets under your skin and leaving New York... well... you live here for nearly a decade and tell me how easy it is to pull yourself away.
The genesis of "Keeping An Eye on the World Going By" took root in a time of great upheaval in the life of Your Humble Observer. As I prepared to cross this great country to begin a new chapter in the big city the blog became a pillar of stability; a place I could emote, vent, and otherwise express my thoughts as I faced what I then considered a difficult journey.
Little did I know that living in New York would become more than just a short stint in a scary yet exciting place just to "get it out of my system". Over the next eight years, New York morphed, as did I. First it was a place to explore as I explored my own plans, desires, and myself. Then it became common, mundane, banal as I began down my young career path and slowly lost touch with the things that made New York the beautiful place it was. Finally, and only at the end of these eight years did I realize that New York had become my home - OUR new home as this was the place my wife and I first set up our first home, the roots of our marriage.
Looking back at those early posts, it's plain to see I clearly have become a new man over the last eight years. Those early posts are so full of wonder of this great city and all the exciting prospects that lay ahead. In the next eight years New York would become the place that I love to hate, a place I hate that I love so much, a place I took for granted, a place I took advantage of.
You all ask, "Are you excited to leave New York?"
No. I'm not.
That doesn't mean I'm not looking forward to the next step and all the excitement that it brings. It just means that this place gets under your skin and leaving New York... well... you live here for nearly a decade and tell me how easy it is to pull yourself away.
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