The Diatribe * net

In my mind, I’ve always differentiated a visitor to NYC from someone who actually lives there by using Central Park. In all my prior trips to New York City (and the surrounding areas), I’ve come into the city to go to a club, show, restaurant, party, bar, museum, visit friends, shop, etc. I’ve never had the luxury of just going into the city just to lounge. To spend a day in the park, for instance.

So, when I first thought about moving to New York, I thought “Wow, I can do all of those things that I never get to do when I go down there for a weekend visit! I’ll get to go to Central Park!” For most New Yorkers, this is probably no big deal. “Ehh, it’s just a big park in the city, what’s the big deal? It’s a great place, just like the rest of our fine city!” For me, it became a turning point.

Just this past weekend, I was able to make my first afternoon adventure into the park. Just around the corner from the Big Oak Tree, we found an open clearing (granted, it was a little dirty, but still), where we engaged in an all-out wiffle ball brawl. The attendees included Myself, Miss Possible, The Captain, Angela (who still needs a nickname), Morgan, Jen, Matt, Jamie and a little bear.

The weather could not have been more lovely, despite the high temperatures (mid 90’s), our little nook in the park worked well as it offered plenty of shade and cover from the hot sun. It also provided just enough room for our wiffle ball games and other miscellaneous park-like activities.

So, as silly as this may sound — I definitely feel a little more “at home in the city,” now that I’ve been to the park. New Yorkers are the ones who use this area on a daily basis for jogging, exercising, dog-walking, etc.. and now I am one of them. Next time I watch a Law and Order episode that takes place in Central Park I can say to myself “I’ve been there!” — It’s the little things in life that make me happy.