Departure / Back to New York
I’m writing from the Joe and the Juice across the street from my Airbnb. i’ve been hanging out in UWS for the last few days and am loving it. Currently significantly sleep deprived and writing this post while I take a lil break from work.
Not much to report since the last post. The last week in California went pretty much as expected. Wrapped up a few things. Packed everything. Got ready to live out of my suitcase in NY for the next few months.
I remember laying on my sofa on one of my last nights in California. At that point I’d been living at home on and off since May(!!!).
Two thoughts on the eve of my departure
Probably won’t spend more than two weeks at a time at home.
I think I’ll visit every quarter. Maybe one week in SF (or Seattle now that Andrew’s out there), two weeks at home, back to NY
I wish I’d treated/appreciated my family better. Not that I was constantly a dick or anything but I think there were moments of pettiness/jealousy/stepping on each other’s toes that I could have been better about.
This hit me more right as I was leaving. The appreciation of what you have right as you’re about to lose it
Just be grateful for what you have future Woody that’s all I ask
The last few days I spent walking around and singing karaoke with the fam.
Back to New York
My current living situation is a tiny Airbnb (150 sq ft) fifth floor walkup. The window is small enough that I yearn for more light during the day. Bright enough that it wakes me up when I want to sleep in. The toilet and the kitchen light stop working intermittently. There is a great rooftop to hang out on when I get too claustrophobic.
I love the location.
Upper West Side—the land of benches, cafes, and happy people. Sitting at Joe Coffee watching passersby through the window and struck with the thought that people here look so relaxed and happy.
Walking through the streets at night with Kelvin. Feeling that muggy, right after rain New York humidity on my skin. Seeing all these happy drinkers at the outside tables. Block after block of interesting restaurants and bars without the crowds of East Village. The sidewalks are so wide here.
The knowledge that Central Park and Riverside Park are right there.
Man I love it.
So far I haven’t done that much. Mostly settling in and seeing people again
Got dinner with Sylvia at Boka (the food was just aight). Talked about future plans/when she might move back to California
Finally got french dip sandwiches at Maison Pickle with Kelvin. This had been on my list from pre-pandemic. Sandwiches were great (and very filling… granted I was super hungry at this point). Also got drinks at Tiki Chick afterwards. Great outdoor seating, interesting drinks. Would go back again.
Besides that I’ve signed up for a few things
Volleyball meetup
Korean language meetup
I was a little concerned about living alone after spending so long with family. How would I spend my time? Would I get lonely?
My original idea was to marinate in that sense of loneliness. I’m so afraid of being alone but I want to embrace it. This poem always rattles around in the back of my mind:
Don’t surrender your loneliness
So quickly.
Let it cut more deep.Let it ferment and season you
As few human
Or even divine ingredients can.Something missing in my heart tonight
Has made my eyes so soft
My voice
So tender,My need of God
Absolutely
Clear.
Bars.
In any case I’m having a pretty good time. A good amount of lonely. Good amount of social.
Music Update
Moved onto Japanese Denim in my singing lesson repertoire. Michelle wants me to enunciate more.
Besides that I’ve started reading Writing Better Lyrics by Pat Pattison in the hopes of WRITING BETTER LYRICS.
So far it’s way too technical for my liking.
My question here is:
Do I power through with this book and start writing lyrics in a more structured way
Or do I just trust my instincts and practice writing more songs?
I’m leaning towards the latter.