Oh, that's why you're so happy!

Although I am not a Twitter user and I do not update my Facebook status often, I think I understand the popularity of these activities. The fact that I have this blog means that I want to share my thoughts with others, which is exactly what Twitter and Facebook users do every minute of the day. The 140-character limit on Twitter posts also limits the significance, or at least the development of what is being posted. Someone can say: "I was standing in line at the bagel shop when the person in front of me ordered the last cinnamon sugar bagel. FML" and be done. It's straightforward, but lacks an introduction, a conclusion, details, and the responsibility of producing something truly pleasurable and worthwhile to read. Tweets, status updates, and even blog entries don't have to prove anything or teach its readers. Most of them are simply for fun.

The above introduction is my excuse for what I am about to write. I have been in New York for two and a half weeks, and have been quietly making observations about life here. I have been tempted to post some of them as Facebook status updates, but that is against my principles. I find many of the status updates that my friends make extremely amusing, but many (if not all) of them are also shamelessly self-indulgent. A 4.0 GPA is something to be proud of, but I can't help but feel that this is just an electronic form of bragging. I also don't really care that you ate at Panda Express for lunch, or that you are hungover today. I can also tell when you are trying as hard as you can to be clever, or show how exciting your life is. I feel it would be hypocritical if I, too, posted mundane commentary on my own Facebook page.

However, a conversation I had today produced a quote that would be perfect for a tweet. But instead, I will share it with you right here. I had been chatting for awhile with another student at my summer voice program, when she asked where I was from. "California," I said. "Oh. That's why you're so happy!" she said. She lives in New Jersey, and commutes two hours each way to get to Manhattan. She described the misery of her fellow Subway riders, and how depressing it is that everything in the city is made of concrete.

Like I said, I have been observing since I've been here. California and New York City are culturally very different. Of course my colleague is exaggerating by saying everyone here is miserable, but life here really does seem less laid-back. Cafe employees impatiently wait for you to order, and rarely crack a smile. The character of Manhattan seems to be far more sophisticated than that of San Francisco. Last week I saw a teenager in a BMW labeled with a driving school's name. At Safestway in the Bay Area, I learned to drive in a Dodge Neon.

Sticking to the theme of my post, I will not try to make conclusions about this comparison. I just wanted to share a few things I've noticed about New York that I think are interesting. To conclude with a few more: protective seat covers are not usually provided in public bathrooms; you often see more taxis on the road than other vehicles; it is hot and humid, even when it rains; and, it is never quiet!