So, I was digging around in the back of the closet the other day, you know, trying to actually make some space. It was getting pretty bad in there, stuff piled up from years back. And guess what I found pushed way behind some old boxes?
My old New Yorkers hat. Man, I hadn’t seen that thing in forever. It’s one of those dark blue ones, pretty standard looking I guess, but this one, this one had history.
Brought Me Right Back
Picking it up, feeling that worn fabric, it just hit me. Took me straight back to my first trip to the city. Must’ve been, gosh, over ten years ago now. I bought this exact hat from a street vendor near Times Square. Probably paid too much, but I was so caught up in the moment.
I wore it everywhere that trip. Felt like I blended right in, even though I probably stuck out like a sore thumb. Remember wearing it when I:
- Got totally lost trying to navigate the subway for the first time.
- Ate one of those amazing street hot dogs.
- Just walked for hours, looking up at the buildings.
It was such an adventure back then. Everything felt huge and exciting. The hat was kind of my souvenir, my little piece of the experience.
What To Do With It Now?
Looking at it now, it’s definitely seen better days. It’s a bit faded, kinda misshapen from being crammed in the closet, and yeah, probably got some old sweat stains, let’s be honest. My first thought was maybe it’s time to let it go. It’s just a hat, right?
But I couldn’t bring myself to toss it in the donation pile. Felt wrong somehow. So, I took it out, tried to gently reshape it a bit. Gave it a careful wash by hand, hoping not to mess it up more. It cleaned up okay, still looks old, but kinda… authentically old, you know?
Didn’t feel right putting it back in the closet darkness. So, I put it up on a shelf in my office. It’s sitting there now. Just a reminder, I guess. A reminder of that trip, feeling young and figuring things out. Funny how an old hat can do that.
