Be Brave; Be Strong!

Today is the first opportunity that I've gotten to actually walk around New York City. It has been eleven days since I moved here. Today is very overcast and unfortunately, I'm one of those people that are highly affected by the weather, my surroundings and music.
I'm not religious but I stepped into a beautiful church today and sat for a little while. I prayed for courage, confidence, security in the decisions that I've made and to maintain a positive attitude. Its easy to feel down when you're wandering in such a populated city by yourself. My bank account resembles the one of my college days. I see Christmas lights going up around the city and I can't help thinking that I'll be by myself these holidays.
These are the decisions that I've made and I have to believe in them as much as my family and friends do. So many people are so happy for me and are rooting for my success here. They are giving me more strength than they'll ever know and if I make it here its because of them.

No ipod; thanks!

It has been seven days since my move to New York. Its such a big city with so many people and yet no one talks to eachother. The subways are full in the morning but everyone keeps to themselves by listening to their ipod or sleeping. In Florida, we drive in our cars by ourselves and get into accidents because we are texting friends. At the restaurant, everyone quietly does their prep work, again keeping to themselves. I'm in the loudest city but no one talks! All communication is done through car horns.
Friends tell me to get an ipod for the subway rides but I think I've decided to refuse. I think I will try to get people talking. I'm not sure how well this will work and if anyone has every tried this before. I need to take advantage of the fact that I am still starry-eyed and amazed with this city. This is the time to make conscious positive decisions and to not mimic all of the rest of the hardened tired faces that surround me in this city.