Twenty years ago today I moved to New York City. Indulge me in a thread?

I've lived in 7 apartments, had 10 different jobs, and 3 layoffs.

I've spent thousands and thousands of dollars on rent that I will never see again. I've had three mayors and the only person I think would actually do a good job was a star of Sex and the City.

I will never forget the smell of the city on 9/11.

I've cried on nearly every street from Midtown to Coney Island.

New York nearly chewed me up and spit me out many times, and it still might.

But I have found my chosen family here (and my chosen dog!), I've met people I'd never have met had I not been here and learned the importance of being a good neighbor.

I got married here, I did a lot of private room karaoke here, went to countless book parties, and took walks during which I made myself stop and look around and recognize the beauty.

When you say New York City is dead, I say, uh, fuhggedaboutit? I've never said that before but it seems appropriate.