A Decade Of Dreams, Deliciousness, and Determination

Ten years ago this weekend I arrived in NYC, well Newark, NJ really, with two pieces of luggage, two 70 pound boxes, and a pocket full of dreams. It's hard to believe how much has changed in my life since becoming a New Yorker. I've accomplished some goals... and have made new ones. I've made so many new friends, worked so many different jobs, lived in so many different places, eaten at so many wonderful restaurants, seen so many shows, and on and on and on... So, in honor of 10 years in New York, I give you 10 highlights from my decade. They're not necessarily the most meaningful moments in the last 10 years, but they certainly symbolize New York for me. Here they are:

1. Sleeping on a street corner with my sister in law, right by Macy's, to get a good view of the Thanksgiving Day parade.

2. Watching Broadway on Broadway on Sept. 9th, 2001 with Jim, Fred, and T and then going to the World Trade Center and sitting in the plaza between the two towers for an hour or so.

3. Going to the final dress rehearsal of The Lion King and thinking how cool it was to be working for the Mouse and how this show was going to change Broadway.

4. Beating out 5 equity actors and two non equity actors to win the role of Thuy for my first production of Miss Saigon at Gateway Playhouse.

5. Being interviewed in the Virgin Megastore for a special on Billboard's 40 Anniversary which they showed on VH1.

6. Eating my first Recession Special at Gray's Papaya on 72nd and Broadway.

7. Grabbing a cup of coffee and reading a newspaper at the now extinct Big Cup.

8. Playing an NYPD officer for five hours on a rainy morning for Law & Order.

9. Walking in my first AIDS Walk with the Group Sales Box Office gang.

10. My first concert at Madison Square Garden- Janet Jackson's Velvet Rope Tour.

So I'll probably celebrate tonight in some fashion with some friends... one being my friend Charissa, who is staying with me for awhile, as she pursues her dream of Broadway as well. Funny how things happen in ten year cycles. Happy anniversary to me!