Going into the weekend I was excited about dressing up on Saturday, staying out too late, and waking up early on Sunday to grab coffee and a bagel from the bodega and cheer on the marathon runners. What I did not anticipate was that this city would impress me, yet again, with its community and energy. New Yorkers showed up full-force for each event to reveal what this city is all about. True, they showed up in decidedly different ways, but they shined in both.
One word to describe this city: vibrant.
Saturday's Halloween festivities began for me with the Park Slope parade in the early evening.
As opposed to the notorious Greenwich Village Parade in Manhattan, the Park Slope Parade was comprised of adorably animated children, their equally as costumed parents, and danceable drum beats. 
Before I moved to Brooklyn, I forgot that anyone under the age of 17 even lived in the city. I scarcely saw a child and on those rare occasions I viewed them with bafflement like they had green skin and spaghetti for hair. They seemed so out of place! In Park Slope, on the other hand, they are everywhere! It somehow puts my place in life into perspective and I like that.Later, my friends and I hopped on the subway to head into the city. The subway car was like tearing a page from every fairy tale, comic book, and gossip magazine and binding them together to make one quirky and hilarious amalgamation. Everyone was in exceptionally high spirits! They were complimenting costumes (not without some air of competition at times) and making new friends. Throw a wig and long eyelashes on someone and BAM--all inhibitions thrown out the window!
The rest of the night continued in a similar fashion. I was impressed with the creativity and innovation on display but more than anything I was astounded because the city that is typically ever-egotistical, self-protecting, and self-indulgent transformed into a community. Sure, the community included Lady Gaga look-alikes and Don Drapers...but that's not such a far cry from New York's reality, is it?
The next morning I woke up, as anticipated, earlier than I should have. I walked down to Fourth Avenue (at 13th street) in Brooklyn to catch the first wave a marathon competitors. There were already quite a few people lining the street to watch. The crowd grew as the Elite runners passed and by the time the Lottery runners reached our area, the sidewalks were overflowing with people who came out in the chilly weather just to cheer on the runners--and in that way welcome all of the people who came from around the world to our city. Signs were held up and boxes of tissues were held out for the passing runners to snatch a Kleenex if needed.
This past weekend reminded me of why this city is so special. It is not the mere fact that I live here, but the fact that I choose to participate in what the city has to offer that makes me feel exhilarated to be here. I feel like I am a part of something much bigger than myself.
It was the best way to bid adieu to October and welcome our cold-weathered friend, November.
