Justine Larbalestier

reading, writing, eating, drinking, sport

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Busy

I was asked yesterday what I’m looking forward to when I get back home. I answered, “cricket, warm weather, and seeing my family and friends”. But, obviously, not necessarily in that order. It occurred to me today that I’m also looking forward to not being so busy or surrounded by so many busy, busy, busy people.

New York’s just like that. You invite people to a party here and a bunch of them won’t even respond: they won’t say they’ll be there, they won’t say they can’t make it, and then they won’t show up. It’s not because they hate you. It’s just because they’re busy, overwhelmed, drowning. And when I’m here I wind up just as busy, just as behind with everything, unable to get all my work done, see all my friends, do all the cool things that I’ve heard rumours can be done in NYC.

It’s not that we’re not busy in Sydney. I’m a feelancer. My workload’s pretty much the same wherever I am. It’s not that I don’t have lots of busy friends there—hey Kate! It’s just that, I don’t know, busy is bigger in New York City. Wider. Denser. Hungrier.

Sydney’s slower, calmer, and much more relaxing. I can’t wait to get back there.

Posted by Justine at 22:03, 31 October 2005 under New York City/USA, Sydney/Australia | 11 Comments »

Comments

  1. Chris Barzak Says:

    When do you go back to Syndey? Did you get my email? I’m feeling unloved.

    November 1st, 2005 at 12:27 am

  2. niki Says:

    yeah me too- none of the NY busy crap – try NZ ! – now that’s busy ;) …

    November 1st, 2005 at 1:28 am

  3. Lawrence Says:

    Hey, that’s the main reason why I moved to Madrid!

    November 1st, 2005 at 5:00 am

  4. anonymous Says:

    New York sounds lame. Why do you spend any time there?

    November 1st, 2005 at 8:58 am

  5. Roger Says:

    London is just the same.

    November 1st, 2005 at 10:50 am

  6. 6. Justine Says:

    Chris Barzak: I haven’t had an email from you in ages. I believe you owe me, mister!

    Niki: I’m seeing you so soon—why would I write?

    Lawrence: When I was in Spain—way back in the olden days—at the end of six months I was definitely not pining to go home. NYC—though I love her—she kind of wears you out.

    Anonymous: Because I love NYC. It’s a gazillion kinds of wonderful. Like today it’s clear and crisp and everything is bright and sharp and not cold. Today is gorgeous.

    Roger: Except that on top of the whole busy-busy-busy thing London’s also cold and wet all year round. I’m just saying . . .

    November 1st, 2005 at 4:01 pm

  7. niki Says:

    :P

    November 1st, 2005 at 5:13 pm

  8. 8. Justine Says:

    Put your tongue back in your mouth, girl!

    November 1st, 2005 at 5:19 pm

  9. Chris Barzak Says:

    agh, well i just sent you one. i suppose i’m communicating with a dead email. send me a blank one so i can reach you at the live one.

    November 1st, 2005 at 5:25 pm

  10. 10. Justine Says:

    Still no email from you, Mr Barzak. Are you using jl AT justinelarbalestier DOT com?

    November 1st, 2005 at 9:30 pm

  11. Chris Barzak Says:

    Nope, that’s why you haven’t got it yet. I’m not using that one. Now I will. ahem.

    November 2nd, 2005 at 2:12 am

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