*Post originally written 1/26/2014*
Sitting amongst the ruble that was once my NYC apartment, my roommate and I disassembled everything in preparation for this weekend when we have to move out for good. Since we've never stayed in an apartment for more than a year, the process of packing has become routine for us, but this time around it’s different: it marks the end of the "Costello Residence” and my life in NYC.
My friend, Andrei, and I have been roommates for the past four and a half years. "Costello" is the amalgamation of our last names (Coso and Tello) and has been our apartment’s namesake ever since we moved to the city. It is strange to think that in a little under a week it will all be over. It’s a bitter-sweet experience knowing that I am losing probably one of the best roommates I have ever had, but I know that it would have to come to an end if I wanted to travel. Today was the first step in taking everything down... next time I put my apartment together it will be weird not having him around and he will be missed.
Today we sold our beloved couch to a nice couple on the upper west side. I was sad to see the thing go as it has been the focal point of our whole apartment (not to mention a bed for nearly every one of my friends at some point in time). I had an overwhelming melancholy feeling last night, since it was the last time I would be able to use the couch, but the moment it was taken out of the apartment I had a feeling of relief. I felt unburdened and strangely lighter. I hope this continues as I unload my desk, table, wardrobe, and TV stand on friends/strangers. If anything, it helps to prove that less is truly more.
Between the couch and my roommate, I am beginning to see everything come together and today was the physical manifestation of everything I have been planning. It is the end of an old life and the beginning of a new one. I have never been more simultaneously terrified and excited in my life, but for the first time in a while I feel alive and I can sense that there is change in the air. While I have no idea what the future holds for me, I look forward to finding out.
And so with that said, I bid farewell to my apartment, my roommate, and my old NYC life!