This week it dawned on me that I live in New York.

It happened on Wednesday when I had the opportunity to see my darling friend from high school, Jess, play an excellent show with her band mere blocks away from my Park Slope sublet. After their set was over, Jess gave me a big hug and asked me about my life. Nonchalantly, I explained that my friends Anda, Marika, and I had rented a one-month sublet in Park Slope and had just signed a lease for an apartment in Williamsburg. Her eyes got really big as she said, ‘Wait, like a lease lease? Like you live here now?!’

I nodded.

And then, it hit me. I live in Brooklyn! I ride the subway! I signed a lease and will soon live in a little apartment across from a playground with three of the funniest people who have ever walked the face of the earth! I’m not really sure if I can compost anymore! New York!

Jess and I hugged again!

Incidentally, The Dearloves happened to be opening for two Portland bands. So, I got to watch some rad musicians from Portland, Oregon with one of my favorite people from Arlington, Texas in Brooklyn, New York. (You guys, would Oprah deem this a full-circle moment? I think YES.) And the whole time I just kept thinking to myself, ‘I wonder where these Portlanders go for brunch.’

Fast-forward two days: Anda, Marika, and I are on the couch watching Mad Men. Penelope (the raw foodist pitbull, who only eats raw chicken, that we have to take care of because New York real estate is crazy, and it was the only way to sublet an apartment) is at our feet. Anda turns to me and whispers, ‘We’re there.’ And then I got all giddy because it’s true, I live in New York now!

The end.

Oh wait, here are some pictures.

The end, for real.