2.

Dear New York,

Happy anniversary. We met ages ago but it's been officially two years since our relationship really began. It wasn't always perfect- there were frustrations and letdowns and disappointments and many moments of just wanting something else. Over time, however, something happened. 

You became home. 

I started sensing this when I was excited for people to visit so I could show them my favorite places and things to do. I started sensing this when I was able to help strangers with directions or subway instructions. I started sensing this when the woman at the laundromat next door and the guys at the Italian restaurant across the street started knowing our names and always saying hi.

And I knew it when I returned from Christmas in California and the plane touched down and I could see your beautiful skyline and it just felt like home. 

I know I've threatened to leave many times. I've told you that I'm 100% moving to Colorado, to San Francisco, back to Vermont, and even to upstate New York. I'm sorry I said those things. There are still things to figure out, things that the next few months will reveal to us about the future, but I want you to know that if things go well, if things go the way that I would like them to...

...then Nick and I are staying. Not forever. But yes, for just a little bit longer.

So cheers to us, New York. And cheers to the challenging but fulfilling two years that lie behind us and to hopefully an exciting future ahead.

Love always, Jhani