Growing up in the Philly burbs, the formula for a good life was to go to college, attend grad school, marry by 30 and have a few kids. This Korean-American vision is probably no different in any other part of America. Well, I either broke the formula or the formula doesn't apply to me. New York City is one of the most exciting cities to live in the world, but what comes with living in NYC is the atypical. It's a good bet that the mean marrying age is higher here than the rest of the country. There are a lot of singles out there, or perhaps my view is skewed because my microcosm is composed of only singles. Why is that? Too much work? Expectations? All the wrong people in the wrong place? Not enough "good" guys or girls? I honestly don't have an answer. What I do know is that it's harder to find that perfect family life here, and for those who do attain that perfection are very fortunate. It's certainly not impossible because I have peers who are doing well, but they are few and for others, they've left the city in pursuit of happiness or as they say, to settle down. I admit that I am envious of those who have met their soul mate and are making it work in NYC. What I recognize with my life is that I don't have the typical and that it is perhaps something that will work better for me in the end. It's been quite an adventure since my arrival in NYC back in 2000, and I'm trying to enjoy this journey. I remember saying to myself that I would only be here for 2 years and then I'm outta here. Nearly seven years later, I can't find myself leaving this place. As I quickly reflect, I think about the people I've met, the parties I've gone to, the places I've been and the great restaurants I've eaten in. Sure, there's been a few bumps in the road as well as a crash, but I've walked away from the wreckage and I'm still healthy. As I say, "I'm pressing on without a rear view mirror." I guess the journey continues.
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