

29 E 8th St, New York, NY 10003



I’m back.

A little catching up is in order. I’ve moved from Chicago to New York. I’m typing this in my apartment like Carrie Bradshaw but with more wine. With any big life change there are moments of loneliness, periods of darkness, and a constant yearning for anything that resembles home. I was kicking a tin can down 8th avenue, wondering if what I’m even doing here. Is a small town kid even cut out to make it in the Big Apple? Then I saw it. A rat with a small rat- sized briefcase scrambling to teach his 4:30 lecture of psych 100 at NYU. Then, I really saw it. From the distance I thought it could be a mirage brought on by climate change and garbage fumes, but for once my eyes did not deceive me. Those curvey letters with arrows pointing in either direction as if they’re saying, wherever you come from this is where you’re headed.

Sandwich: Southwest Chicken Club on Jalapeno Cheese Bread

Drink: Mango Guava Juice

Chips: Spicy Sweet Doritos

Cookie: S’mores (just get one)

Everyone always talks about the efficiency of the New York Subway system and they were not kidding. Today I ordered the new Southwest Chicken Club on Jalapeno Cheese bread. Normally there is a line around the block, similar to that of the apple store, when a new product is released, but I must have gotten there right as the rush was finishing up. Loaded with vegetables and layered with American Cheese paired with the zesty kick of Spicy Sweet Doritos, I may as well have been sitting in the dry Arizona desert contemplating the immigration issue. The best part about this modern marvel was that it comes with avocado included, an idea so preposterous an intern was once set on fire for even suggesting it. Alas, it has been done. A little insider tip, use a bit of light mayo for added creaminess (if you don’t mind the extra calories, and you know I don’t!).

I usually tend to go with water but at this particular location they had separate plastic jugs holding what I assumed to be painstakingly labored over homemade juice so I decided to treat myself. Mango and guava are like Sonny and Cher, good by themselves but there’s nothing like when they come together. No plastic straw or lid for me today, just trying to do my part to keep this side of the country above water for a few more years. I did throw a few directly in the trash out of habit, but it’s really the thought that counts when it comes to humanity’s demise.

As I was exiting I made eye contact with someone walking and enjoying a sub from one of the sister locations. New York is a fast town, not even giving us time to take a seat and enjoy our surroundings, though in that moment time stood still and I felt human connection for the first time in awhile. I think I’m going to be just fine here. Until next time… let’s get toasted.