The strangest part about my decision to move to New York was that it almost felt like I was not the one making the choice. Sometimes it feels like life is happening to you, and you are just observing and along for the ride. Part of me had already moved, and I had to go with it.
Now I am here, just spent the 2nd night in my new bed (which is about 2 feet too short for me, ha) and I am trying to wrap my head around the fact that I am not on vacation. This is where I live. I'm so lucky to have my friend Mike come with me. He lives in Salt Lake and works for Jet Blue so he was able to hook me up with a buddy pass. He met me at the Denver airport and flew to NY with me to help me get settled. When he leaves on Monday, I may have a reality check that this is my new home.
Yesterday was the first day that we had to really explore the city. We did really well! We only got briefly lost twice! We started off at Greenwich Village and had some NY style pizza for lunch, then headed over to Magnolia's Bakery. They have famous cupcakes there. There is consistently a 10-20 minute line out the door to get a cupcake during the day. Even when it is cold and windy like yesterday was. Anyone who knows me, knows that I am not really that into cake, but I must admit, it was one of the best cupcakes I have had.
We then headed up to 5th Avenue to do some shopping. There is an H&M store that is three stories tall there. Its so affordable there, and so many options that its almost overwhelming, so I ended up leaving empty handed, except for a messenger bag that I bought for 30 bucks.
At this point I really had to pee, but apparently New Yorkers don't pee because there were no bathrooms anywhere! It was torture. We ended walking almost to time square before I found a Chipotle(yes, they have Chipotle, thank God!) and I was able to go to the bathroom. For the rest of the night we had dinner and then got some drinks at a couple different bars around Midtown and the East Village.
The apartment I am living in is nice. I have a room that was a living room converted into a bedroom. It has a doorway that has a curtain over it, so its private enough. It's pretty big, though. I have a bed, futon, and 2 coffee tables, and a decent sized closet in my room. The only downside about the place is the walk to the subway. It takes about 10-12 minutes to get there, which isn't that big of a deal except for when its cold outside, or when you are exhausted at night and have to make the walk back to the apartment. Either way, this is a nice way to get adjusted to the city, and I can hopefully find another place within the next few months that will be a bit closer.
I am going to have 2 room mates. One guy and one girl. Michael is a dancer/actor and works as a bartender as well. He works a lot so he said he won't be around much. The girl's name is Leah who I have not met yet. She moves in this afternoon. She's from Australia and said her boyfriend lives about 3 blocks away so she won't be home much at all either. Kinda nice to have the place to myself, although I am keeping my fingers crossed that I will have a job soon, so I will not be at the house too much either.
My interview with Arrojo is next Friday at 9 am. I think today I am going to see how long it takes me to get there on the subway and plan so I am for sure on time.
This is all so surreal to me. Lots to take in all at once, hopefully the adjustment will be a smooth one.
Zack and I were just commenting that you write really well. Must be a hidden talent like Megan has. I am so excited for you. It is almost like I can feel complete knowing someone is getting the opportunity to do what I have always wanted to do. Good luck on this journey- and new life.
Hey Gard!
I havent got my head around the fact that you are not still living in the basement. I finally just shut the door to your room so that I could pretend that you were here,just sleeping.
It sounds like so far so good for you thus far.
I'm so glad that Mike was able to go out there with you. Tell him Thanks again for me.
Got to run...
Love your Momma
i can't believe you LIVE IN NYC. Amazing. I can't wait to hear about your adventures...and come visit soon. Eat a cupcake for me. :)
please find Whitney Port and take a picture with her ASAP
lol on the bathroom sitch. i felt the same way. so that book i bought you actually has a section on how to find a bathroom :)
hey dude! its alex and sounds like the big city is alot of fun. hope i can see u sometime soon i would love to visit up there sometime. My mom is going crazy without u!
Best of luck!
It's great to hear that all is well so far....when I am in class tomorrow and you won't be there that's when it will hit me that you are truly gone not just on vacation. Take care and look forward to hearing more......