“Good Morning Upper East Siders…It’s Gossip Girl here...”

Similar to the infamous and mysterious Gossip Girl, I too can wake up in the morning, open my curtains, and look out over a street that is located in the idealized glamorous neighborhood of Manhattan’s Upper East Side. But, unlike Blair, Serena, and the other over-privileged characters, my window looks out over the street from my fourth floor tiny studio…in a walk up building (this means i climb four flights of stairs everytime I come home to my apt, no elevator).

You may be wondering how this is possible for a recent college graduate struggling to make it in the most expensive city in the world to be living in such close proximity to those who live the wealthiest and most luxurious lifestyle imaginable.

Well, contrary to what many people think, beyond the extravagant buildings and penthouses occupied by the rich, this area is actually one of the most affordable in the city for young adults. Why? Many prewar walk up buildings (like mine) that are older, lack an elevator and doorman, and are closer to the river (a farther walk to the subway) are in this area.

So, planting myself in front of the television every Wednesday night at 9pm is something I look forward to because I recognize buildings, streets, locations, and enjoy matching characters to people I walk by every day on my way to work. This week’s episode was drama-filled as usual. Although I have never walked up on a father-son fist fight similar to the one with Nate and his pops, I can say that I’ve witnessed glimmers of Gossip Girl moments on the streets of my hood.

For example, after a particularly long day at work, I was heading back to my apartment and passed a group of girls that looked not a day over thirteen, but were wearing outfits that probably equaled the amount of everything valuable I own. The leader of the group (we’ll call her Blair) was shoving a cigarette in the face of the runt (she’ll be Jenny Humphrey), and taunting her, “Why? Why won’t you try it? Are you scared?” So, “Jenny” gave in and took a huge drag, only to end up coughing hysterically. “Blair” then shoved the pack of cigarettes into her Valentino bag (Yes, Valentino), and then told her minions to march along behind her.

Yes, sadly enough, there are people out strikingly similar to the GG characters.

Anyways, back to tonight’s episode…Chuck Bass is like, the creepiest dude ever and resembles a future rapist. Nate is adorable and I secretly want him and Serena to end up together. But, I am partial to Dan as well because, come on, the candlelit bedroom in the Brooklyn loft for them to hook up? It was all very cute and romantic. Seriously, can they just do the deed already? And then Dan and his dad can double date with Serena and her mom. Too perfect.

There’s nothing like another week of one full hour of romance, hook ups, burlesque clubs, parental drug busts, and fights. And this all happens in one fabulous neighborhood: mine.

Stay tuned for more real life Gossip Girl moments I encounter over the next week, and remember, as Gossip Girl said on tonight’s episode while Blair was stripping at the club, “No matter how hard you try to be good, eventually you can’t help but being bad.”

Or something like that.