Head First (Feat. Veggie Grill)

This page is made in collaboration with Veggie Grill. I LOVE Veggie Grill. They just opened up their newest location, which just so happens to be in NYC. Due to COVID-19, the NYC location is currently closed. Until they re-open, visit their website to find a location near you to order some of the best Vegan food to-go. 

CHAPTER 3:  Between The City Of Stars,The Moon, & New York City
Entry #18: " Head First"

Dear readers, 
Is it me or are the days going by faster than ever? Since I got back here, it's been non stop leading me to a finish line. I haven't made up my mind. All I know is, I'm not leaving New York for good... but I am leaving for a little bit. Does that make any sense? My parents see that the Corona Virus is getting worst, so they want me to come back to California with them. It's kinda difficult to just pick up and leave, but, for my safety, and their safety as well, we're gonna see if this is possible. They aren't supposed to leave until next week. If I do decide to go, I don't even have a plane ticket. We have to see if this is possible. If the rona decides to take over, because it looks like it is, then I know I'm gonna have to leave for my safety. However, I can't leave without tying up some loose ends. I still have a crapload of work to do, and I better hustle, because I don't know when I will be able to return home to NYC. I honestly don't know what life away from it will look like. The world around me is getting weird. I better cherish these last few "normal" moments, because I don't know what will become of all this. All of the boys are aware of my desire to pivot my home base from NYC to LA, but they aren't aware I might have to leave within the next few days, because this Corona is about to hit NYC and the USA very hard. I feel like I have had to speed up my thinking process because I need to make sure I get out of here before things become unsafe. It's weird having to think that way. I'm not thinking about my career and the opportunity that I can't pass up in LA. I'm thinking about surviving the next few months. I don't know, it is all scary. This whole thing is scary. When I said I'm ready to "seek discomfort", I didn't think that would make the whole world have to be out of their comfort zone as well. I just got to this new place. We just moved in everything. I'm not gonna even bother unpacking. I'm just gonna leave things with the boys to keep safe for me. Then I will take them with me when I eventually return. 

To distract my mind from the craziness going on in the world, I met up with Chris at Veggie Grill for lunch. Veggie Grill invited me to stop by their newest location that just opened up here in the city. Veggie Grill is hella popular in CA, so of course, I had to stop by and try it out. Side note - I love being vegan. I love vegan food. I feel so fulfilled eating amazing healthy food.. Anyways, I had a long talk with Chris about getting out of here for a little, until Corona cools down. Then I'll go from there. I'm not going directly to LA. I mean I can't do that, it is not safe there as well. He said that everyone will understand me having to get away from the fire before it spreads. I didn't plan on this. I didn't plan on leaving NYC, within 2 weeks of my grand return. It's not like I'm moving from here. Not yet at least. I'm leaving, some of my things will stay, and whatever happens, when this Coronavirus ends, we'll go from there. After I finished eating with Chris, I headed to West 4th station to meet up with my former neighbors, David, Armondo, and Eugenio. My ex-landlord was a crazy lady. Well, one of them. I had several landlords. We aren't here to talk about them though, The crazy lady kicked out these boys, for no reason. I haven't had a lot of time to see people outside of my fam here in NYC. I was fortunate enough to be able to meet up with them for a second. I always passed by "Off the Wagon". I never went inside until tonight. Turns out Monday's are $1 beer days. So, it was a win for all of us! I had a blast hanging out with these boys for a little bit before I had to head back to my place to meet up with my parents. They introduced me to their friends and it reminded me how lucky we are to be in a city that is so open to a fresh start. I'm very fortunate for all the good people that have come into my life here in NYC. Idk if I will ever see them again, but, I hope they end up in a safe space, unlike where we were living, and with all this madness surround the USA, rising to a boiling point. As I headed home, I finally called Jesus. We talked for a little about my grand plan and the fact that I should leave soon, because of the Corona. My brother just wants me to be safe, so that way I can be happy. There is no way for me to do my career if I end up sick, It will make my illness worst, and throw me off track. It won't work if I stay. I can come back when this all blows over. When it ends it will be up to me, to determine where I take this story of mine next. I'm glad we got to talk about it though. He was the last one on my list. Now I have to look for a plane ticket. I'm gonna go before things get worst here. I made up my mind. This will be my last week in NYC, for a while. 

Love, Roydom Lucian

Photographer: Chris Lopez

What I'm Wearing: Jacket - Madewell, Jeans - Levis, Sweater - H&M, Hat - H&M, Shoes - Converse