Greetings readers, Robby from Brooklyn here reporting on the one-month anniversary of moving back to NYC from Fort Lauderdale. It seems kind of poetic that the snow is falling on this day. The snow is light enough that it is pretty. Growing up near the beach on Long Island I love all things ocean and water. I am shocked at the next sentence I am going to write:

I am much happier in the frigid January NYC cold, and I do mean frigid than I was in the July, August, and September brutal heat of South Florida.

That being said, I am quite happy to report that this has been an EXCELLENT four weeks of assimilating back to NYC life. Professionally, socially, physically, mentally – everything has just been better for me here.

Professionally obviously the job market here is better than in Fort Lauderdale. I was just shocked at how much better. Since December 4th – 30 days ago – I have applied to more than 100 jobs on Indeed. (I would be lucky to apply for 10 jobs a month in FLL.) These range from teaching and tutoring jobs to seasonal and holiday work. I have also applied for remote data entry jobs. (I can type really fast it’s my superpower.) Out of all these applications I have had at least eight interviews with two job offers. Both in education, and part-time. One is working as a substitute teacher for the 241 private, charter, independent schools throughout the five boroughs with the pay nearing $200 a day. By comparison, substitute teachers in FLL made $15 an hour. Big difference. HUGE! 

I also got a gig teaching STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, music) classes to K-5 students after school. This English teacher is broadening his skill set. I didn’t mention the fact that I failed my high school Pyschics Regent test back in the day. (The test was actually after graduation and since I had already committed to an out-of-state school a NY Regents Diploma wasn’t something I needed.) As January continues and schools are starting up again my phone has been ringing more and more – a much-needed boost to my teaching ego. 

You can’t be in NYC without taking advantage of the theater. I’ve seen three shows already, tickets all discounted. Today Tix and BroadwayBox.com are two great sites for finding cheaper tickets to Broadway shows. “Hells Kitchen,” the Alicia Keys penned musical was very good, but a very long two hours and 40 minutes. That’s exactly the length of the glorious Wicked movie, which I also saw and loved – even if it was 15 minutes too long. Hello adult ADHD.  I also got to see “The Big Gay Jamboree,” and “Eureka Day” both campy, both hysterical. Both the perfect amount of time: 90 minutes no intermission. 

I was at a live broadcast of “The View.” a few mornings ago. The luminous Brooke Shields was the guest.  For future reference when coming to NYC 1iota.com is where you can request FREE tickets to all of the talk shows that film here like “The Drew Barrymore Show,” “The Kelly Clarkson Show,” “Late Night with Stephen Colbert,” and “The Daily Show” just to name a few.

Socially, my friend group/support system is substantially larger here – and unlike in Florida – constantly growing. Contrary to the stereotype I found people much friendlier, much more open and inclusive.

I got to attend the Gays Against Guns holiday party. Check out our brand new relaunched website at gaysagainstguns.org. A grim fact: The Gun Violence Archive reports that each day in America 118 people are killed with a gun. Those 118 people arent just a number. They are boyfriends, husbands, sisters, friends, mothers, and fathers just gone in an instant. All because of a gun. 

I also got to attend my friends Donald and Dennis’s annual Christmas party. The two are longtime partners in love AND business. They own the fabulous Silberfuchs clothing company. Catering to the queer community with shirts, hoodies, hats, and tanks with words like QUEER, SNACK, VINTAGE, and DADDY, the party was literally hot guy central. Speaking of snacks the homemade desserts were FAB! 

Finally, giving back is a hallmark in my life, not just during the holidays but all year long. One morning very soon after my move back, I found myself in the Gods Love We Deliver kitchen helping the extraordinary staff and volunteers pack meals for those in need. GLWD has served a staggering 40 million since it opened its doors in 1985!  I also started volunteering with SAGE helping to serve dinner to our older queer brothers and sisters. We owe them a huge debt of gratitude. They walked so we could run. And it’s fun! 

Well readers that’s about it for now. I am off to explore my city today. I’ve got the new Lianne Moriarty novel with me. I am ready for my next NYC adventure. Like Maleah Joy Moon sings in her Tony-winning performance in the glorious finale of “Hells Kitchen,” “Concrete jungle where dreams are made of there’s nothing you can’t do. Now you are in New York.” I am in New York! 

(this column originally appeared in the February edition of “Letters from Camp Rehoboth.)