Though I live in New York, my roots are in good ol' New Jersey. It's the place where I learn, teach, and play, and I rather like it. I haven't given myself an opportunity to become a New Yorker. Everything brings me back right across the river, my college courses, the school I teach in, and all my friends. New York isn't much different from where I grew up in Jersey City, it's urban, a melting pot, good shopping, big business, crime, museums, way too many fast food joints per square mile. So many similiarities, but I still do not feel at home here. I hate leaving the apartment (I do not know anyone else that lives in the buidling except my fiance) because there is never a familiar face. Every attempt at communicating with people outside of the apartment, at the gym, on the train, is cold and short. How do I make friends here? I'm an adult that can't figure out how to make friends. I figure the resolution would be to go to school here (but why I only have 12 credits left), work here (but why if I have to go to school in NJ at night), or join meetup.com and meet people (but why risk meeting perps). After graduation, I figure I can get my NY State Certification, and begin searching for a job here. Stay local, be local, meet people, and be forced to explore the turf.