I was sort of surprised at how emotional thinking about all of this made me too. But it was nice to be emotional about something other than politics and global warming for once, ha!
So fun to catch up and hear from you a bit here! You seem like the same gregarious and intelligent guy I remember — just a little older and clearly plenty wiser. Those photos sure brought back memories. Love the list! NYC has become my favorite city in the world (while Iceland has become my favorite place in the world…oh the dichotomy). I’m feeling so happy for you and where you’re at and where you’ve been! Take care!
SANG YATES! Sorry, I’m just connecting you with your maiden name. What a wonderful surprise to see you in here. It was so much fun—and a little surreal!—to take this trip down memory lane. Reconnecting with you is a cherry on top. I hope all is marvelous with you ❤️
I love this post! My mom moved me into my Murray Hill walk-up on August 29, 2013 from Colorado. I remember walking down Madison Avenue after she left looking up at the skyline and thinking the same, "today the rest of my life begins" and I haven't looked back since. NYC forever.
#17 is so true! My mom grew up in Manhattan and we go back every year on Christmas Day for the week - the best gift ! Only bummer part is that the art galleries are usually closed that week.
This made me emotional because nyc was the first place I lived after college too and i STILL get emotional everytime I go back, primarily the F train where I cried because I decided to go to Europe that summer and then couldn't pay rent when i came back 😂 ugh should i move back? all the feeeels
Hi all the way from Australia 👋🏻. As a small town girl who moved to Melbourne after University (and visited NYC at Christmas last year) I resonate with so many of these. 💗 your work 😊!
I remember meeting you when you stopped by to see Karlie at an Express photo shoot. And then at our fashion show in St Louis. It’s nice to think about another Midwestern boy moving to NYC and what we learned. Makes me smile as it feels so right. Xoxo
#2, 3, and 12 are spot on. #9 and 11 are an interesting juxtaposition. Easily triggered people are usually not pleasant to be around.
Man, this made me a bit emotional. The picture with your dad in the mirror is priceless. Xx
I was sort of surprised at how emotional thinking about all of this made me too. But it was nice to be emotional about something other than politics and global warming for once, ha!
V. true
So fun to catch up and hear from you a bit here! You seem like the same gregarious and intelligent guy I remember — just a little older and clearly plenty wiser. Those photos sure brought back memories. Love the list! NYC has become my favorite city in the world (while Iceland has become my favorite place in the world…oh the dichotomy). I’m feeling so happy for you and where you’re at and where you’ve been! Take care!
SANG YATES! Sorry, I’m just connecting you with your maiden name. What a wonderful surprise to see you in here. It was so much fun—and a little surreal!—to take this trip down memory lane. Reconnecting with you is a cherry on top. I hope all is marvelous with you ❤️
PS. Iceland is on my bucket list.
Midwesterner’s are the besterners - such a good recap that resonates. Saying this as a US expat in London.
HOW HAVE I NEVER HEARD THAT EXPRESSION BEFORE? Should I get a ‘midwesterners are besterners’ tattoo?
Derek, good morning from Norcal! your shoes in the Dorm move in pic -- love them!
Who doesn’t love a fleece clog? I guess I was setting trends, even then. (And they’d look fabulous in NorCal, that’s for sure!) Hi Haleyyyyyyyy ❤️
Same! They fit right in with today.
Ha!
I love this post! My mom moved me into my Murray Hill walk-up on August 29, 2013 from Colorado. I remember walking down Madison Avenue after she left looking up at the skyline and thinking the same, "today the rest of my life begins" and I haven't looked back since. NYC forever.
New York or bust!
#17 is so true! My mom grew up in Manhattan and we go back every year on Christmas Day for the week - the best gift ! Only bummer part is that the art galleries are usually closed that week.
But the museums are open! 🤗
New York is so lucky to have you Derek!
Awww thanks wifey! I have to come see you in London too 🤗
You must, hubby!😍🤗
The picture with a mirror 🪞 says where story starts !
This made me emotional because nyc was the first place I lived after college too and i STILL get emotional everytime I go back, primarily the F train where I cried because I decided to go to Europe that summer and then couldn't pay rent when i came back 😂 ugh should i move back? all the feeeels
Sigh, I’ve cried on the F train too. What a town! 🤗
These are FANTASTIC! I enjoyed reading through all your lessons Derek. Happy 25 years in NYC 🤩
TIME FLIES… 🤍
Hi all the way from Australia 👋🏻. As a small town girl who moved to Melbourne after University (and visited NYC at Christmas last year) I resonate with so many of these. 💗 your work 😊!
Thank you for reading! 🤗
I remember meeting you when you stopped by to see Karlie at an Express photo shoot. And then at our fashion show in St Louis. It’s nice to think about another Midwestern boy moving to NYC and what we learned. Makes me smile as it feels so right. Xoxo
Jim
It was so awesome to bring my family to that fashion so in St. Louis! Thanks for reading, Jim! 🤗
Love your story! New York truly is a magical place that shapes you for life.
New York, New York. A city so nice they named it twice!
Inspiring at any age! Thank you for sharing, I’m 50 and I learned so much!
The pleasure is all mine, thank you for reading!
Such a great post Derek!! 🫶🏼
HI TASH! Thanks for reading ❤️