If you saw a gal who looks a lot like me heading down 5th Ave to 14th street at around 6 pm, I assure you there is no need for concern. Sure I was bobbing and weaving, tripping over everything, bumping into people and/or dogs, randomly stopping at seemingly inopportune times and ogling ever decently lit object like it was a flying saucer, but I can assure you I am fine. I am neither on drugs (right now) or crazy (well maybe just a bit). I just forgot how damn annoying those pupil dilating drops are. Now I remember why I stopped going to the doctor to get my eyes checked out.

But I think this is the first time I have this done and walked down a populated and well lit street right afterwards. That stretch of 5th is particularly bright, something I’ve never noticed before until every street lamp and every chain store sign was almost literally searing my retinas, emitting this eerie, otherworldly glow. It’s something I think every native New Yorker should see at least once. Maybe this is how tourists feel, overwhelmed and drugged by all the glowing white light, why they lose their orientation and can’t seem to walk straight. Or maybe there was something else in those drops. Either way it’s nice to be able to see again.

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3. “There is Now a Starbucks in my Pants.”
4. The Mall-i-fication of NYC hits some Speed Bumps
5. Soho Newcomer