Then

Before I moved to NYC I don't think I ever owned an umbrella. I mean I probably had one in the trunk of my car, but I never thought about it, or used it. Now I own four or five umbrellas, polka dot rain boots AND a rain jacket.

Before I moved to NYC I drove my car to class, which was probably 300 yards away from where I lived. Now I walk to and from work or to and from the subway, either way racking up about four or five miles a day, sometimes in the rain, sleet or snow.

Before I moved to NYC I was deathly afraid of the subway. Now I ride it at 2 in the morning, sometimes without even thinking.

Before I moved to NYC I was somewhat patient; I waited at crosswalks for the green light; I ate out once or twice a month, now it's everyday. I used to never drink coffee, now it's two or three cups a day; I used to run hardly at all, now it's everyday for miles and miles and miles. I used to sleep in till 2pm; I used to think 2am was late; I used to come home smelling like smoke; I used to smoke (!) I used to take vodka shots and chase them with water; I used to think people were following me home; I used to not know how to navigate the bus routes; I used to wear leather pants; I used to care and I once used to love.