Well, I have some sort of illness. I was hoping it was just a cold, but considering what I'm coughing up....it probably isn't. I know I should go to the doctor....maybe I will tomorrow afternoon if there's no improvement (what doctor, I don't know). Kept thinking it wouldn't get so bad....but it is. Of course this weekend is supposed to be 65 and sunny both days....which if you ask me, is about as perfect as weather can get. I've been SO careful too....every single time I ride the subway, I immediately put antibacterial gel on my hands when I know I'm done touching the poles. I guess you can't prevent breathing infested air, though.
Other than that, there really isn't much more going on. I had planned on having a "virtual happy hour" tonight with Mandy, Stacey, and Lauren. They were going to take a laptop to a bar and set me on the table via Skype. I was really looking forward to that, but just not up for it. Hopefully we can make it work next week. That should be alot of fun.
Ordered rain boots yesterday and can't WAIT for them to get here. Don't need to be spending money right now, but they are really going to come in handy and would have come in handy already. I ordered gray ones and they are gonna be totally cute. Yay! I see so many people wearing them. Shout out to McConnell for tellling me the right brand to get. : )
Just ordered tickets to the La Cage Folles musical for when Andrea comes to visit. She's obsessed with the show "Frasier" and therefore Kelsey Grammer, who stars in the show. It won a Tony for best revival this year, so it should be a good show.
TTFN (ta ta for now)
Roof
Looking in towards midtown from my roof
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Monday, September 27, 2010
What did I say...no excuses??
Well, so much for working out. I haven't been since Wednesday. BUT, Thursday night and Friday night I was social, Saturday was the hog game (who coulda worked out after THAT), yesterday I finished my apartment, and tonight it's pouring down rain. I seem to have no problem walking the exact same distance in the rain to go get dinner, though. There's an italian place I want to try around the corner (my rear is gonna turn into one big ole slab of noodle). And...who am I to turn down the Monday night special of $9 for any pasta??? Plus, I'm basking in the glory of a stellar fantasy football week and need to celebrate my high point win. It may be the only one of the season....
More things I've learned:
1. Those rain boots I need to order won't come soon enough
2. I've known this, but have been reminded what great joy I get out of buying things at Ann Taylor Loft....getting an email for a giant sale a couple days later....ordering the same things online for much cheaper and free shipping....and taking it all back. It's the little things in life.
3. I don't really fit in with all the prints I wear. Polka dots, paisleys, bright colors....I stick out like a sore thumb. Evidently I'm just supposed to wear solid, dark colors.
4. Speaking of....my bright pink Brighton travel umbrella with cherries on it is gonna have to go. See #3.
5. Free breakfast in my apartment building is so SWEET. I never knew I'd use it every day like this.
6. Depositing a check in an ATM machine is so fun!!! I've never done that until today.
7. I always thought it would be so great coming up here and not having to clock in and out like I did in Dallas (even though I'm salary). What I wouldn't give to have to do that again and have my 10 hours a week of work from home back!!!
Peace!
More things I've learned:
1. Those rain boots I need to order won't come soon enough
2. I've known this, but have been reminded what great joy I get out of buying things at Ann Taylor Loft....getting an email for a giant sale a couple days later....ordering the same things online for much cheaper and free shipping....and taking it all back. It's the little things in life.
3. I don't really fit in with all the prints I wear. Polka dots, paisleys, bright colors....I stick out like a sore thumb. Evidently I'm just supposed to wear solid, dark colors.
4. Speaking of....my bright pink Brighton travel umbrella with cherries on it is gonna have to go. See #3.
5. Free breakfast in my apartment building is so SWEET. I never knew I'd use it every day like this.
6. Depositing a check in an ATM machine is so fun!!! I've never done that until today.
7. I always thought it would be so great coming up here and not having to clock in and out like I did in Dallas (even though I'm salary). What I wouldn't give to have to do that again and have my 10 hours a week of work from home back!!!
Peace!
Sunday, September 26, 2010
"Neighbor, HELPPPP!!!!"
So, after my last blog update, I went to dinner to try a place around the corner. I have officially found MY neighborhood restaurant. Fabulous caesar salad and some of the best chicken parmesian I've ever had. I sat outside and read while I ate, but it wasn't the most enjoyable of outdoor dining experiences. For some reason a helicopter kept circling, and then there were just sirens, like, constantly. Yes, I know it's New York, and yes, I know there's sirens and horns honking all the time, and yes, I know I live down the street from NYU Medical Center,....but this was just a bit ridiculous. Also, a storm came blowing in just as I was paying, so we had to run for cover as the umbrellas started blowing off. It was quite a lighting show as well.
I made the quick walk home and went out on my terrace to bring in the cushion from my lounge chair. It's weatherproof, but if I know it's about to rain, I try to bring it in. As I went outside, a big gust of wind came up and my terrace door slammed shut. "No problem", I think to myself...."my door has never fully cooperated since I've moved in...has trouble closing all the way, and it doesn't lock." I pick up my cushion and go to open the door...keyless and phoneless mind you....I pull and tug. Nothing. The door was locked. JUST MY LUCK. Remember the small part about the lighting storm?? And here I am on the 18th floor, surrounded by metal, with no roof over my head. Well, I knew my neighbor was home because his cat was roaming the hall when I came home (he let's it out to hang out....). I immediately start yelling "Neighborrrr!!! Help!!! Neighborrrrr!!!!" and banging on the divider between our terraces. Mind you, we've introduced ourselves and spoken on occassion, so I should know his name. Sadly, I've forgotten it. He comes running out immediately and asks whats wrong. I tell him I'm locked out and to call the doorman. He said "first, let me get you an umbrella"....and ran inside. He turned back and said, do you think you can climb over the divider? Well, the divider angles down toward the front of the wall (I guess for everyone's viewing pleasure), and then angles up and across towards the middle and back. He warned me not to try the front, as I could fall 18 stories and die. I tried the back but it was too tall. OK, that won't work, off he ran again for the umbrella. In the meantime I start trying to open my windows. Well, the windows open to the side, and just barely, so I'm not sure what I thought that would accomplish. I try the door again and again and it came flying open. By that time the doorman was at my front door to help. Literally, this could only happen to me. I feel like my life is one big dramedy the last few months. Alas, I got in my house just in time before the rains came. What a mess.
Thursday I went out to eat with some coworkers and their old coworkers. We went to Wonjo (I think), in K-Town (Korea Town). It was at like....32nd and 6th. It was my first time to eat Korean food and I warned my coworker ordering for us to please not be very crazy with the orders. Thankfully she stuck to vegetables, generic seafood, chicken, pork, and beef. I actually really liked it! Who knew cabbage and radishes could taste so good. I also enjoyed the noodle dish and the fried dumplings.
Friday I had lunch at a Mexican restaurant on Stone Street by work. I have been complaining to anyone that will listen about my craving for mexican. I had a big ole burrito. It wasn't Texas (or even Arkansas) mexican, but I'll take it. Annoyingly, you had to pay for chips and salsa and the burrito didn't come with rice and beans....but at least they were inside the burrito. I walked home again with my coworker who lives in my neighborhood that night. We stopped off at South Street Seaport to scope out places to have a work function. It brought back alot of memories of visiting with my parents when I was growing up. Then we made our way up 3rd Avenue and ended up stopping at another mexican joint called La Palapa. I had seen a La Palapa on the other side of town last week, and had this feeling it may be good. We were on the hunt for a Venezuelan place, but the line was out the door....hence the trip to La Palapa. We had chips and salsa and guac (again, you had to pay for the chips and salsa....and for a second meal in a row the "salsa" was "pico de gallo"). Weirdo yankees. Anyway, we also had queso fondido with chorizo and tortillas. MMMm MMMM GOOD!!! I'll definitely be back to try some "real" food from there as well. Then of course we had to get dessert, so I had my first ever Pinkberry. I must admit, I now see what all the fuss is about. It's good AND low in calories. Another Mmmm Mmmm GOOD!
Of course Saturday was the hog game. I got to the hog bar ENTIRELY too early (1:30 for the 3:30 game). But hey, at least I had a seat. I read for alot of the time until the game started. Sidenote: I read The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo the last couple weeks, and am now onto the sequel, The Girl Who Played with Fire. I'm not a big reader, but wowie zowie those books are good!!!! I'm hooked! Then I got seated by a girl and her two guy friends that were total queens. I was trying to place myself in such a way that I could meet new people...and those people end up next to me...then other weirdo friends of theirs showed up. A woman from Little Rock who lives up here and her husband ended up sitting at my table. They were alot of fun. The game made me sick. I don't want to talk about it. On my way home I stopped at a pizza place I've been wanting to try called Totino's. Wait, that's the frozen pizza rolls. Let me look at my Fodors. Tottono's. Oops. Haha, anyway...the pizza was really good...the caesar I could have lived without. The service wasn't worth writing home about though.
Today I've finally got my apartment all set up except for one last pile of clothes that I just need to buy hangers for. And to think of all the hangers I left at my house in Plano!!!!
Speaking of my house...it's still on the market. Had two lookers today, but no feedback yet. Car is still for sale also. Therefore, still need prayers. I'm going to have to resort to Ramen noodles if those two things don't sell soon. Ramen noodles probably cost like 2 bucks a pack here as opposed to 20 cents like they do back home. Pfft.
It's supposed to rain a few days this week, which reminds me, I better get off my blog and order some rain boots!!! Here are some pics of my new pad. I still need barstools and a rug in the living room....and to hang a few more pics....but it's getting there! Talk to you soon!!!
xxxooo
I made the quick walk home and went out on my terrace to bring in the cushion from my lounge chair. It's weatherproof, but if I know it's about to rain, I try to bring it in. As I went outside, a big gust of wind came up and my terrace door slammed shut. "No problem", I think to myself...."my door has never fully cooperated since I've moved in...has trouble closing all the way, and it doesn't lock." I pick up my cushion and go to open the door...keyless and phoneless mind you....I pull and tug. Nothing. The door was locked. JUST MY LUCK. Remember the small part about the lighting storm?? And here I am on the 18th floor, surrounded by metal, with no roof over my head. Well, I knew my neighbor was home because his cat was roaming the hall when I came home (he let's it out to hang out....). I immediately start yelling "Neighborrrr!!! Help!!! Neighborrrrr!!!!" and banging on the divider between our terraces. Mind you, we've introduced ourselves and spoken on occassion, so I should know his name. Sadly, I've forgotten it. He comes running out immediately and asks whats wrong. I tell him I'm locked out and to call the doorman. He said "first, let me get you an umbrella"....and ran inside. He turned back and said, do you think you can climb over the divider? Well, the divider angles down toward the front of the wall (I guess for everyone's viewing pleasure), and then angles up and across towards the middle and back. He warned me not to try the front, as I could fall 18 stories and die. I tried the back but it was too tall. OK, that won't work, off he ran again for the umbrella. In the meantime I start trying to open my windows. Well, the windows open to the side, and just barely, so I'm not sure what I thought that would accomplish. I try the door again and again and it came flying open. By that time the doorman was at my front door to help. Literally, this could only happen to me. I feel like my life is one big dramedy the last few months. Alas, I got in my house just in time before the rains came. What a mess.
Thursday I went out to eat with some coworkers and their old coworkers. We went to Wonjo (I think), in K-Town (Korea Town). It was at like....32nd and 6th. It was my first time to eat Korean food and I warned my coworker ordering for us to please not be very crazy with the orders. Thankfully she stuck to vegetables, generic seafood, chicken, pork, and beef. I actually really liked it! Who knew cabbage and radishes could taste so good. I also enjoyed the noodle dish and the fried dumplings.
Friday I had lunch at a Mexican restaurant on Stone Street by work. I have been complaining to anyone that will listen about my craving for mexican. I had a big ole burrito. It wasn't Texas (or even Arkansas) mexican, but I'll take it. Annoyingly, you had to pay for chips and salsa and the burrito didn't come with rice and beans....but at least they were inside the burrito. I walked home again with my coworker who lives in my neighborhood that night. We stopped off at South Street Seaport to scope out places to have a work function. It brought back alot of memories of visiting with my parents when I was growing up. Then we made our way up 3rd Avenue and ended up stopping at another mexican joint called La Palapa. I had seen a La Palapa on the other side of town last week, and had this feeling it may be good. We were on the hunt for a Venezuelan place, but the line was out the door....hence the trip to La Palapa. We had chips and salsa and guac (again, you had to pay for the chips and salsa....and for a second meal in a row the "salsa" was "pico de gallo"). Weirdo yankees. Anyway, we also had queso fondido with chorizo and tortillas. MMMm MMMM GOOD!!! I'll definitely be back to try some "real" food from there as well. Then of course we had to get dessert, so I had my first ever Pinkberry. I must admit, I now see what all the fuss is about. It's good AND low in calories. Another Mmmm Mmmm GOOD!
Of course Saturday was the hog game. I got to the hog bar ENTIRELY too early (1:30 for the 3:30 game). But hey, at least I had a seat. I read for alot of the time until the game started. Sidenote: I read The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo the last couple weeks, and am now onto the sequel, The Girl Who Played with Fire. I'm not a big reader, but wowie zowie those books are good!!!! I'm hooked! Then I got seated by a girl and her two guy friends that were total queens. I was trying to place myself in such a way that I could meet new people...and those people end up next to me...then other weirdo friends of theirs showed up. A woman from Little Rock who lives up here and her husband ended up sitting at my table. They were alot of fun. The game made me sick. I don't want to talk about it. On my way home I stopped at a pizza place I've been wanting to try called Totino's. Wait, that's the frozen pizza rolls. Let me look at my Fodors. Tottono's. Oops. Haha, anyway...the pizza was really good...the caesar I could have lived without. The service wasn't worth writing home about though.
Today I've finally got my apartment all set up except for one last pile of clothes that I just need to buy hangers for. And to think of all the hangers I left at my house in Plano!!!!
Speaking of my house...it's still on the market. Had two lookers today, but no feedback yet. Car is still for sale also. Therefore, still need prayers. I'm going to have to resort to Ramen noodles if those two things don't sell soon. Ramen noodles probably cost like 2 bucks a pack here as opposed to 20 cents like they do back home. Pfft.
It's supposed to rain a few days this week, which reminds me, I better get off my blog and order some rain boots!!! Here are some pics of my new pad. I still need barstools and a rug in the living room....and to hang a few more pics....but it's getting there! Talk to you soon!!!
xxxooo
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| Notice the clothes and bags in every nook and cranny possible |
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| don't worry, I also have shoes under my bed, in the closet, and if you'll notice, behind the door |
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| Ghetto door prop |
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| On the top right of this pic is the Empire State Building |
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| In the very back of this pic, you can see my office building....it's to the left of the pointy building in the far back. it's like it haunts me from my apartment. :) |
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Getting Settled
Well, not much has gone on since my last post. Several people are out of the office this week so it's been pretty quiet on the work front. Monday there was a fire underneath the train bridge over the Harlem River....which is used for all commuter trains going in and out of Grand Central. I take such a train to Hawthorne every Tuesday and Thursday. At first they thought the trains would be stopped for quite a while, but by later that evening they were running with delays. Glad it wasn't on a day we were up there. Also on Monday, 2 Chinook helicopters and 2 Marine One helicopters showed up at the heliport that's across the street from my building at work. Boy howdy, you can hear those suckers coming. They were sooooo impressive. Evidently, anytime el Presidente comes to town, they do a "dry run". They tell me that normally there's alot of snipers out and a limo on the tarmac waiting....but this time there wasn't, so that's how we new it was a dress rehearsal. He showed up today, but unfortunately I was in Greenwich, Connecticut, so I didn't get to witness his arrival. He's in town tomorrow at the UN again, but I'm not sure if he'll leave tomorrow or not. Probably so, in which case, I'll miss him again since I'll be in Hawthorne. Oh well, there will be a next time. Not matter if you like the President or not, always neat to catch a glimpse and see a scene like that.
Greenwich is about a 50 minute train ride out of Grand Central. I have had a hankerin' for a Juniors kosher pickle since I moved here, so I got to the station in time for a Juniors iced tea and pickle (two for just 38 cents!!! now THATS a deal!). We hopped on the train and off we went. Had the client meetings.....then came back to the city. There were alot of people getting on the train at each stop both going and coming back. You have to wonder what they are all doing. Anyway, Greenwich is known for being very posh. Alot of hedge fund founders and the like live out there. The "downtown" was very quaint....but it had a real Ralph Lauren store, Tiffanys, Tory Burch, etc. For $16 round trip, I can't help but to think that would be a fun side trip in the fall to see the leaves....or maybe further into CT a bit. I just love going new places.
Tonight I worked out for the first time since I got here. This isn't all too suprising since I haven't worked out for MONTHS before that. I meant to count the steps to the gym, but it's half a block away. Seriously, NO EXCUSE. And with our work discount it's only $25 a month. Again, NO EXCUSE. I'm sure I'll be very very sore tomorrow,....but this needs to be the beginning of a lifestyle. TV shows don't start until 8pm here, so I see no reason why several nights a week (and before college football and NFL on the weekends), I shouldn't go sweat for 45 minutes or so. In Plano at Lifetime Fitness I kinda felt like I was at the Ritz....here at the New York Sports Club, I feel like I'm at Motel 6. But with my new frame of mind regarding finances, it makes me wonder why I paid for the Ritz in Plano. A treadmill is a treadmill is a treadmill, and a dumbell is a dumbell is a dumbell. Some of you may wonder if I'm losing my zeal for some of the finer things in life. I can assure you, I'm not. I'm just still being "cognizant" of my expenditures. hehehe
I think I'll head out to a restaurant down the block called Christina's tonight. Mom and Dad discovered it, but didn't eat there. I've been wanting both italian and mexican, so I'll get my italian urges taken care of. Still not understanding why it's so hard to find good mexican!!!
Attached are a few pics taken with my phone. One is the McDonalds in the "real" Chinatown. Looks like I took it in Beijing, huh? The other is of Marine One out the window at the office. And the other is a very poor pic...but I'm trying to show that on my avenue, I can see both the Empire State building and Chrysler building (ES on far left, C on far right). It's just really neat looking up every night and seeing both of those landmarks from my street.
More things I've learned:
1. Another reason the city smells like urine? Dogs go on the sidewalk as there's no grass. The also do the other on the sidwalk. Makes me think twice about putting my spare pair of shoes in my purse every day. : /
2. Speaking of dogs, there are sooooo many people with dogs and they are all just so adorable. Big dogs, small dogs, hairy dogs, bald dogs. Makes me miss Maggie.
3. There are ALOT of VERY short hispanic men in this town. And they all deliver food. It's like they have a monopoly on the delivery business.
4. Have I mentioned I evidentally have a "twang"? We weren't in the clients office for THIRTY SECONDS before I got my first comment today. I guess everyone just takes me for a country bumpkin. Sad.
5. I have more but I've forgotten. Next time....
xoxo
Greenwich is about a 50 minute train ride out of Grand Central. I have had a hankerin' for a Juniors kosher pickle since I moved here, so I got to the station in time for a Juniors iced tea and pickle (two for just 38 cents!!! now THATS a deal!). We hopped on the train and off we went. Had the client meetings.....then came back to the city. There were alot of people getting on the train at each stop both going and coming back. You have to wonder what they are all doing. Anyway, Greenwich is known for being very posh. Alot of hedge fund founders and the like live out there. The "downtown" was very quaint....but it had a real Ralph Lauren store, Tiffanys, Tory Burch, etc. For $16 round trip, I can't help but to think that would be a fun side trip in the fall to see the leaves....or maybe further into CT a bit. I just love going new places.
Tonight I worked out for the first time since I got here. This isn't all too suprising since I haven't worked out for MONTHS before that. I meant to count the steps to the gym, but it's half a block away. Seriously, NO EXCUSE. And with our work discount it's only $25 a month. Again, NO EXCUSE. I'm sure I'll be very very sore tomorrow,....but this needs to be the beginning of a lifestyle. TV shows don't start until 8pm here, so I see no reason why several nights a week (and before college football and NFL on the weekends), I shouldn't go sweat for 45 minutes or so. In Plano at Lifetime Fitness I kinda felt like I was at the Ritz....here at the New York Sports Club, I feel like I'm at Motel 6. But with my new frame of mind regarding finances, it makes me wonder why I paid for the Ritz in Plano. A treadmill is a treadmill is a treadmill, and a dumbell is a dumbell is a dumbell. Some of you may wonder if I'm losing my zeal for some of the finer things in life. I can assure you, I'm not. I'm just still being "cognizant" of my expenditures. hehehe
I think I'll head out to a restaurant down the block called Christina's tonight. Mom and Dad discovered it, but didn't eat there. I've been wanting both italian and mexican, so I'll get my italian urges taken care of. Still not understanding why it's so hard to find good mexican!!!
Attached are a few pics taken with my phone. One is the McDonalds in the "real" Chinatown. Looks like I took it in Beijing, huh? The other is of Marine One out the window at the office. And the other is a very poor pic...but I'm trying to show that on my avenue, I can see both the Empire State building and Chrysler building (ES on far left, C on far right). It's just really neat looking up every night and seeing both of those landmarks from my street.
More things I've learned:
1. Another reason the city smells like urine? Dogs go on the sidewalk as there's no grass. The also do the other on the sidwalk. Makes me think twice about putting my spare pair of shoes in my purse every day. : /
2. Speaking of dogs, there are sooooo many people with dogs and they are all just so adorable. Big dogs, small dogs, hairy dogs, bald dogs. Makes me miss Maggie.
3. There are ALOT of VERY short hispanic men in this town. And they all deliver food. It's like they have a monopoly on the delivery business.
4. Have I mentioned I evidentally have a "twang"? We weren't in the clients office for THIRTY SECONDS before I got my first comment today. I guess everyone just takes me for a country bumpkin. Sad.
5. I have more but I've forgotten. Next time....
xoxo
Sunday, September 19, 2010
I'm Here!!
Hi everyone, welcome to my Blog. I've had some funny things happen to me since I moved here, and I thought what better way to keep everyone apprised of my great adventure than to create a blog. I greatly enjoy reading the blogs of my friends with kids, so why not create a blog for my friends with kids to read....HA! Plus, people get annoyed with frequent Facebook posts....and I don't twit or tweet or whatever it is. So what have I been up to?
I left Dallas on August 31st, but let's go back a little bit before that. Between trying to sell my house and car (that "adventure" is worth it's own blog), getting packed, wrapping up things at work, and just the emotions of leaving....I was a big ole mess for the last month in Dallas. I had several goodbye parties that my wonderful friends attended and helped plan (thanks Mandy and Camie!), and then there were other small get togethers with my friends to say goodbye. I have always known that I have great friends, but having to pack up and leave my hometown of 8 years left me with more than I could handle, and I could NOT have done it without my friends and family, and they continue to help me even when I'm gone. In no particular order: Karen has come to my house multiple times to either bring me boxes, or take belongings off my hands that didn't get packed....so that she could somehow get them back home to Fort Smith for me (thanks to Mrs. Bracken also), Christine helped me pack, brought me meals and an inflatable bed and pillows, and took my modem back for me, Lauren and Josh arranged for and helped me get attic fans installed, Lauren also helped me pack, Mandy let me stay at her house and helped me pack, Stacey helped me pack, Nigel is graciously keeping my car in his spare garage as I try to sell it, Byron and Kevin helped me get my cable boxes sent back, Byron and Karissa made an inconvenient drive to give me a ride when I left my car for good, Gary went to my house to collect money and open the door for the guy that bought my fridge, Meredith sent me with a great care package, and my neighbors Dan and Katie come to my rescue in a variety of ways. And of course there's Mom and Dad who helped pack and came up here to help me get settled....and give me support in a way that only parents can. I'm sure I'm leaving someone or something out. I just wanted to give a shout out to everyone....words truly cannot express how important all of you are to me and how thankful I am to have you in my life. Even your words of encouragement have been so important to me. *as I tear up writing this*
It was pretty much a miracle that both moving trucks came on time and showed up in Fort Smith and New York on time....and nothing was too terribly damaged....just a few scratches here and there. It was EXTREMELY stressful having to have the truck show up on time at my apartment, and trying to get the movers there at the same time (the truck didn't come with movers), all the while there isn't a loading dock or anywhere for the truck to sit while it was being unloaded. In the end it all worked out, the truck showed up 45 minutes early, the movers were right on time, we parked in a bus lane....and only one traffic cop came by and was nice enough to not give us trouble. After getting moved in, I showered and caught a cab up to my favorite restaurant in the universe, Le Bernardin. Somehow I was able to find my cookbook authored by the chef, Eric Ripert (of Top Chef hosting fame---although I knew of his fabulosity far before then), so that maybe he could sign it. I see him most every time we dine there. Anyway, dinner was with my co-worker Craig who was in town, as well as two guys who work for one of our vendors that we've come to know over the years. Dinner was absolutely fantastic....both the food and the company. The waiter took my cookbook and Eric signed it in the back, but I never saw him (surely he was there, right?). After I got home, another co-worker, Tom, came by with one of our clients that I've known for years. They helped to stock my bar, and Tom actually stayed around to help me put my bed together. My new Sleep Number bed was coming the next day....so I have no idea what I would have done without his help. Again, I have great friends!
The next day was my first day "in the office"....yet it wasn't in the office at all. We went to a teambuilding event in New Jersey at an exec's house. We rode a ferry that was a really nice boat with inside seating that felt like a big airplane, along with a concession that sells alcohol and food. What a way to go to and from work everyday. We got settled at the house and then some of us went to the beach on the Atlantic Ocean. Other than being in Maine, I'm not completely sure I've ever been to an Atlantic Ocean beach....which is very odd given my travels. Well, a hurricane was on it's way up the eastern seaboard so the surf was rough with some bad rip tides, so I didn't get in. But I was quite impressed with the beauty of New Jersey. We then went back to the house and had a fabulous lunch, and then we went on the river and boated and several of us wake boarded. I'm happy to report that I got up on my very first try wakeboarding. I've skiied alot in my day, but never wakeboarded. I was soooo sore for several days after. I'm old. : (
The next day I took off, and enjoyed the 4 day weekend over Labor Day. Well, I'm not so sure how much I enjoyed it, as I unpacked all day every day. I must say, the smartest thing I packed was my digital cable receiver, so that I could at least get some free channels until my cable could get installed the next Wednesday (ended up being 3 days after that...stupid Time Warner). The US Open entertained me while unpacking (and during breaks). I ate at a few places in my neighborhood, and I also made my first trip to the grocery store. The grocery store I used is half avenue and 2 blocks away. I also have a CVS literally 30 steps from my front door....don't think I haven't been there....oh....no less than 8 times already. Anywho, I was absolutely astounded at the prices at the grocery store. A pound of ground beef was 9 bucks, and a package of Oscar Meyer bacon was 8. And I'm not rounding, folks. Unfortunately I only used the bacon once and learned a lesson about being wasteful. Things just cost too much here to not eat what you buy. Therefore, I'm eating alot of leftovers also. I know there will come a time where I stop looking at the pricetags....but until I get a handle on just how expensive this city will be to live in....I am going to need to be a little chinchy. Or how about "cognizant". On Labor Day, my friend and co-worker Hali came by and I cooked some bratwursts out on the terrace and we scanned the newest gossip magazines. It was a beautiful day....as have 95% of the days been since I've been here. It's really nice to escape the heat of Texas.
My first day at work then was Tuesday after Labor Day. On Tuesdays and Thursdays I have to travel to Hawthorne, NY, which is about an hour train ride north of the city. As a point of reference, I can tell you the Clinton's home is in Chappaqua, which is two train stops further than the Hawthorne stop. It takes me about 12 minutes to walk to Grand Central from my apartment. It's 8 blocks and about two avenues. The ride is then around 50 minutes....at which point a coworker picks us up and takes us to the office. We can dress casually there, and Friday's in the office in the city are casual, so it's nice to only have to dress up twice a week right now....especially since Dallas was casual and therefore my "business" wardrobe is lacking.
On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, my commute to work is a 2.5 avenue and one block walk to the subway (6 minutes or so), where I ride the local train 3 stops, then switch at Union Square to the express (when I'm lucky, the express train is there at the same time so I don't have to wait...if not it's only a couple minutes until the next one). Then I get off at Bowling Green, which is down near Battery Park. It's then a 5 minute walk to the office. All in all, it normally takes 30 minutes on the dot to get there. Sounds long, but I'm always in motion....unlike sitting on the Dallas North Tollway at a standstill. My apartment building serves muffins, bagels, tea, and coffee on the weekday mornings, so I normally throw a half a muffin in my purse, and take some tea....and that's my FREE breakfast (yay!).
So that's my daily routine for now.....then Mom and Dad came on the 10th to help me get settled. We had a couple nice meals, but for the most part, stayed in my neighborhood and ran errands. Trips to NYC will definitely be cheaper for them since we can either eat here or explore less expensive neighborhood places. Since Dad's stoke, he doesn't have much stamina, so Mom bought him a scooter. That was delivered on the 11th. We had a couple user error experiences with it, but all in all I think it will end up being great for him not only when they visit here, but so they can travel other places as well. They have their passports and are wanting to travel....so now hopefully they can.
Speaking of the 11th....that morning we watched the 9-11 tribute...it was on all of the local channels. They have people read every single persons name that died that day, and put up their picture and hometown. Some of the people were family members of someone that died, and they make a personal statement. It was so difficult to watch. It also puts the mosque controversy into perspective. I'm not here to make political statements (at least right now ; )), but I can tell you that it's one thing to say the mosque shouldn't be there because that's the place of the greatest attack on America. It's quite another thing when you hear the family members talk about how that is the burial ground for those that died. So many people were never found after the attacks. They cannot bury their loved ones. They are buried there, at that site, for forever. Yes, those people that are for the mosque have a constitutional right to build there.....but I've certainly gained another perspective while being here. We got to see the spotlight tribute that they do every year. Right from my terrace they were right in front of us, shooting up into the heavens. I got alot of great pictures. I can't help but to think, most every time I'm on my terrace, what a view it must have been when the twin towers were still there. I digress.....
Mom and Dad left Wednesday after helping me hang pictures, organize, hang curtains, put together a dresser,...etc. Thursday early evening I was on a train coming into Grand Central when the terrible storms and tornadoes hit. I came back early to go to the Cake concert in Central Park with my co-worker (so happy to have found a couple coworkers that love concerts as much as I!!!). It drizzled for most off the show. The show was great....they sounded fabulous. I would love to see other shows there. Unfortunately they didn't play "Short Skirt, Long Jacket". Lame. I guess I can just listen to it on the overplayed Apple Ipod Nano commercials these days. Anyway, good times. Friday we walked clear from the office at the tip of the island, to my apartment on 34th. It's well over 34 blocks, as 1st doesn't start until after Houston. I do know it's about 3 miles. It was a very interesting walk indeed. You go right through the heart of Chinatown. Now, we're not talking the "will you take $40 for that fake Louis Vuitton purse that you're selling" Chinatown. This is REAL Chinatown. No tourists here. Even the street signs had chinese lettering. Way cool. Very neat part of town. Don't get me wrong though, I won't be moving there anytime soon. From there we went through the East Village, and then made our way thru Gramercy and up to my neighborhood, Murray Hill. I fail to see how people don't lose a few pounds here with all the walking....but I'm told you don't. We'll see. For instance, I walked 14 blocks round trip to the Hog bar and 10 blocks round trip to pick up dinner yesterday. For you math geniuses like myself, that's 24 blocks. What did I walk in Dallas....a couple blocks total a day?
So here I am today, finishing up this blog. Ahead of me I'm going to take all of my clothes out of the drawers and storage they are in, and completely put them all up again. At first my goal was to get everything out of boxes. Now I can't find anything! Therefore I need to re-organize. I feel like I keep saying this, but hopefully after this weekend I will feel completely free to start exploring with no chores in the back of my mind here at the apartment.
Here are some things I've learned along the way:
1. There really are asian ladies that say "andddddd" in between item orders when you order your food. Just like on Mad TV and "Dude, Where's My Car?". For real.
2. You can order your sandwich "pressed" here. You go to any deli and read the sandwich menu and it can either come as is, or pressed (like a Panini). Who knew? there's also something called a wedge that's just a big sandwich on a hoagie. I haven't been able to decipher what makes something a wedge or not.
3. Most places have minimum's to use a credit card....usually $10 or $15. There goes trying to use my Citi Aadvantage card for everything so I can get mucho airline points.
4. Amazing, but I am failing to find mexican restaurants anywhere near my apartment. NOT HAPPY about this!!!!
5. If an old man comes up to you on the street cursing at you, all up in your grill.....just keep walking.
6. I think there may be a link between homeless people and the pee smell. Yep, they must pee on themselves.
7. Philly Cheesesteaks with Cheez Whiz are the BEST. Forget provalone!
8. Plumbing in apartment buildings suck.
9. People that like listening to loud music and/or TV follow me from each apartment building I live in. ARGH.
10. There are ALOT of hog fans in this city!!
11. I evidentally have a "noticeable twang". Who knew??
12. Yes, this is the best city in the world for pizza....but at some point, you just want some good ole Dominoes/Pizza Hut/Papa Johns.
13. 99% of restaurants deliver. Alot of people get food delivered from restaurants that are literally half a block a way. See the comment about me being chinchy. I don't see myself being so lazy that I get delivery all the time and have to pay a couple bucks extra to tip. I reserve the right to chance this point of view when it's 2 degrees outside.
14. You always hear it's colder near the water. I once heard a guy from my office building (before I knew I'd ever work in that building...much less live in this city), say that down by our building, the cold and wind will cut right through you in the winter. Ya right, I thought. Even in the summer, there's an appreciable difference in the temperature between midtown and down by the water. I'm afraid he may be right. I'll let you know soon enough.
15. Pulled pork pizza isn't as good as it may seem on the surface.
16. You can't find a cab when it's raining. period.
17. If you happen to be at the wrong place a the wrong time, you may or may not have a lady come up to you and ask if toilet bowl cleaner will unclog her kitchen drain.
18. Don't wear khaki capris, a bright pink shirt, and Brighton flip flops to the East Village....unless you want to stick out like a sore thumb.
19. I might never get used to everything starting at 8pm on TV....and no news until 11pm. Terrible. Just terrible.
20. I knew this but alot of people don't. You are either a Jets/Mets fan, or a Yankees/Giants fan. You rarely find a mixture of the two.
21. When you buy milk, there are two expiration dates. One date, and then another if bought in the city, which is a closer date. Kinda makes you go hmmmmmm. Like, what are they doing to the poor quart of milk to get it into the store in the city? Letting it sit out for a day? Gross.
That's all I have for now....my future blogs won't be near as long....but there was alot to catch up on!!! Please say some prayers that I can get my house and car sold very soon. I've never had such financial stress....and it's not fun. Also, happy birthday yesterday to my sweet niece, Caroline!
I love and miss you all!
xoxoxoxo
My building is the tallest one....left middle of pic, with strip around the top.
I left Dallas on August 31st, but let's go back a little bit before that. Between trying to sell my house and car (that "adventure" is worth it's own blog), getting packed, wrapping up things at work, and just the emotions of leaving....I was a big ole mess for the last month in Dallas. I had several goodbye parties that my wonderful friends attended and helped plan (thanks Mandy and Camie!), and then there were other small get togethers with my friends to say goodbye. I have always known that I have great friends, but having to pack up and leave my hometown of 8 years left me with more than I could handle, and I could NOT have done it without my friends and family, and they continue to help me even when I'm gone. In no particular order: Karen has come to my house multiple times to either bring me boxes, or take belongings off my hands that didn't get packed....so that she could somehow get them back home to Fort Smith for me (thanks to Mrs. Bracken also), Christine helped me pack, brought me meals and an inflatable bed and pillows, and took my modem back for me, Lauren and Josh arranged for and helped me get attic fans installed, Lauren also helped me pack, Mandy let me stay at her house and helped me pack, Stacey helped me pack, Nigel is graciously keeping my car in his spare garage as I try to sell it, Byron and Kevin helped me get my cable boxes sent back, Byron and Karissa made an inconvenient drive to give me a ride when I left my car for good, Gary went to my house to collect money and open the door for the guy that bought my fridge, Meredith sent me with a great care package, and my neighbors Dan and Katie come to my rescue in a variety of ways. And of course there's Mom and Dad who helped pack and came up here to help me get settled....and give me support in a way that only parents can. I'm sure I'm leaving someone or something out. I just wanted to give a shout out to everyone....words truly cannot express how important all of you are to me and how thankful I am to have you in my life. Even your words of encouragement have been so important to me. *as I tear up writing this*
It was pretty much a miracle that both moving trucks came on time and showed up in Fort Smith and New York on time....and nothing was too terribly damaged....just a few scratches here and there. It was EXTREMELY stressful having to have the truck show up on time at my apartment, and trying to get the movers there at the same time (the truck didn't come with movers), all the while there isn't a loading dock or anywhere for the truck to sit while it was being unloaded. In the end it all worked out, the truck showed up 45 minutes early, the movers were right on time, we parked in a bus lane....and only one traffic cop came by and was nice enough to not give us trouble. After getting moved in, I showered and caught a cab up to my favorite restaurant in the universe, Le Bernardin. Somehow I was able to find my cookbook authored by the chef, Eric Ripert (of Top Chef hosting fame---although I knew of his fabulosity far before then), so that maybe he could sign it. I see him most every time we dine there. Anyway, dinner was with my co-worker Craig who was in town, as well as two guys who work for one of our vendors that we've come to know over the years. Dinner was absolutely fantastic....both the food and the company. The waiter took my cookbook and Eric signed it in the back, but I never saw him (surely he was there, right?). After I got home, another co-worker, Tom, came by with one of our clients that I've known for years. They helped to stock my bar, and Tom actually stayed around to help me put my bed together. My new Sleep Number bed was coming the next day....so I have no idea what I would have done without his help. Again, I have great friends!
The next day was my first day "in the office"....yet it wasn't in the office at all. We went to a teambuilding event in New Jersey at an exec's house. We rode a ferry that was a really nice boat with inside seating that felt like a big airplane, along with a concession that sells alcohol and food. What a way to go to and from work everyday. We got settled at the house and then some of us went to the beach on the Atlantic Ocean. Other than being in Maine, I'm not completely sure I've ever been to an Atlantic Ocean beach....which is very odd given my travels. Well, a hurricane was on it's way up the eastern seaboard so the surf was rough with some bad rip tides, so I didn't get in. But I was quite impressed with the beauty of New Jersey. We then went back to the house and had a fabulous lunch, and then we went on the river and boated and several of us wake boarded. I'm happy to report that I got up on my very first try wakeboarding. I've skiied alot in my day, but never wakeboarded. I was soooo sore for several days after. I'm old. : (
The next day I took off, and enjoyed the 4 day weekend over Labor Day. Well, I'm not so sure how much I enjoyed it, as I unpacked all day every day. I must say, the smartest thing I packed was my digital cable receiver, so that I could at least get some free channels until my cable could get installed the next Wednesday (ended up being 3 days after that...stupid Time Warner). The US Open entertained me while unpacking (and during breaks). I ate at a few places in my neighborhood, and I also made my first trip to the grocery store. The grocery store I used is half avenue and 2 blocks away. I also have a CVS literally 30 steps from my front door....don't think I haven't been there....oh....no less than 8 times already. Anywho, I was absolutely astounded at the prices at the grocery store. A pound of ground beef was 9 bucks, and a package of Oscar Meyer bacon was 8. And I'm not rounding, folks. Unfortunately I only used the bacon once and learned a lesson about being wasteful. Things just cost too much here to not eat what you buy. Therefore, I'm eating alot of leftovers also. I know there will come a time where I stop looking at the pricetags....but until I get a handle on just how expensive this city will be to live in....I am going to need to be a little chinchy. Or how about "cognizant". On Labor Day, my friend and co-worker Hali came by and I cooked some bratwursts out on the terrace and we scanned the newest gossip magazines. It was a beautiful day....as have 95% of the days been since I've been here. It's really nice to escape the heat of Texas.
My first day at work then was Tuesday after Labor Day. On Tuesdays and Thursdays I have to travel to Hawthorne, NY, which is about an hour train ride north of the city. As a point of reference, I can tell you the Clinton's home is in Chappaqua, which is two train stops further than the Hawthorne stop. It takes me about 12 minutes to walk to Grand Central from my apartment. It's 8 blocks and about two avenues. The ride is then around 50 minutes....at which point a coworker picks us up and takes us to the office. We can dress casually there, and Friday's in the office in the city are casual, so it's nice to only have to dress up twice a week right now....especially since Dallas was casual and therefore my "business" wardrobe is lacking.
On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, my commute to work is a 2.5 avenue and one block walk to the subway (6 minutes or so), where I ride the local train 3 stops, then switch at Union Square to the express (when I'm lucky, the express train is there at the same time so I don't have to wait...if not it's only a couple minutes until the next one). Then I get off at Bowling Green, which is down near Battery Park. It's then a 5 minute walk to the office. All in all, it normally takes 30 minutes on the dot to get there. Sounds long, but I'm always in motion....unlike sitting on the Dallas North Tollway at a standstill. My apartment building serves muffins, bagels, tea, and coffee on the weekday mornings, so I normally throw a half a muffin in my purse, and take some tea....and that's my FREE breakfast (yay!).
So that's my daily routine for now.....then Mom and Dad came on the 10th to help me get settled. We had a couple nice meals, but for the most part, stayed in my neighborhood and ran errands. Trips to NYC will definitely be cheaper for them since we can either eat here or explore less expensive neighborhood places. Since Dad's stoke, he doesn't have much stamina, so Mom bought him a scooter. That was delivered on the 11th. We had a couple user error experiences with it, but all in all I think it will end up being great for him not only when they visit here, but so they can travel other places as well. They have their passports and are wanting to travel....so now hopefully they can.
Speaking of the 11th....that morning we watched the 9-11 tribute...it was on all of the local channels. They have people read every single persons name that died that day, and put up their picture and hometown. Some of the people were family members of someone that died, and they make a personal statement. It was so difficult to watch. It also puts the mosque controversy into perspective. I'm not here to make political statements (at least right now ; )), but I can tell you that it's one thing to say the mosque shouldn't be there because that's the place of the greatest attack on America. It's quite another thing when you hear the family members talk about how that is the burial ground for those that died. So many people were never found after the attacks. They cannot bury their loved ones. They are buried there, at that site, for forever. Yes, those people that are for the mosque have a constitutional right to build there.....but I've certainly gained another perspective while being here. We got to see the spotlight tribute that they do every year. Right from my terrace they were right in front of us, shooting up into the heavens. I got alot of great pictures. I can't help but to think, most every time I'm on my terrace, what a view it must have been when the twin towers were still there. I digress.....
Mom and Dad left Wednesday after helping me hang pictures, organize, hang curtains, put together a dresser,...etc. Thursday early evening I was on a train coming into Grand Central when the terrible storms and tornadoes hit. I came back early to go to the Cake concert in Central Park with my co-worker (so happy to have found a couple coworkers that love concerts as much as I!!!). It drizzled for most off the show. The show was great....they sounded fabulous. I would love to see other shows there. Unfortunately they didn't play "Short Skirt, Long Jacket". Lame. I guess I can just listen to it on the overplayed Apple Ipod Nano commercials these days. Anyway, good times. Friday we walked clear from the office at the tip of the island, to my apartment on 34th. It's well over 34 blocks, as 1st doesn't start until after Houston. I do know it's about 3 miles. It was a very interesting walk indeed. You go right through the heart of Chinatown. Now, we're not talking the "will you take $40 for that fake Louis Vuitton purse that you're selling" Chinatown. This is REAL Chinatown. No tourists here. Even the street signs had chinese lettering. Way cool. Very neat part of town. Don't get me wrong though, I won't be moving there anytime soon. From there we went through the East Village, and then made our way thru Gramercy and up to my neighborhood, Murray Hill. I fail to see how people don't lose a few pounds here with all the walking....but I'm told you don't. We'll see. For instance, I walked 14 blocks round trip to the Hog bar and 10 blocks round trip to pick up dinner yesterday. For you math geniuses like myself, that's 24 blocks. What did I walk in Dallas....a couple blocks total a day?
So here I am today, finishing up this blog. Ahead of me I'm going to take all of my clothes out of the drawers and storage they are in, and completely put them all up again. At first my goal was to get everything out of boxes. Now I can't find anything! Therefore I need to re-organize. I feel like I keep saying this, but hopefully after this weekend I will feel completely free to start exploring with no chores in the back of my mind here at the apartment.
Here are some things I've learned along the way:
1. There really are asian ladies that say "andddddd" in between item orders when you order your food. Just like on Mad TV and "Dude, Where's My Car?". For real.
2. You can order your sandwich "pressed" here. You go to any deli and read the sandwich menu and it can either come as is, or pressed (like a Panini). Who knew? there's also something called a wedge that's just a big sandwich on a hoagie. I haven't been able to decipher what makes something a wedge or not.
3. Most places have minimum's to use a credit card....usually $10 or $15. There goes trying to use my Citi Aadvantage card for everything so I can get mucho airline points.
4. Amazing, but I am failing to find mexican restaurants anywhere near my apartment. NOT HAPPY about this!!!!
5. If an old man comes up to you on the street cursing at you, all up in your grill.....just keep walking.
6. I think there may be a link between homeless people and the pee smell. Yep, they must pee on themselves.
7. Philly Cheesesteaks with Cheez Whiz are the BEST. Forget provalone!
8. Plumbing in apartment buildings suck.
9. People that like listening to loud music and/or TV follow me from each apartment building I live in. ARGH.
10. There are ALOT of hog fans in this city!!
11. I evidentally have a "noticeable twang". Who knew??
12. Yes, this is the best city in the world for pizza....but at some point, you just want some good ole Dominoes/Pizza Hut/Papa Johns.
13. 99% of restaurants deliver. Alot of people get food delivered from restaurants that are literally half a block a way. See the comment about me being chinchy. I don't see myself being so lazy that I get delivery all the time and have to pay a couple bucks extra to tip. I reserve the right to chance this point of view when it's 2 degrees outside.
14. You always hear it's colder near the water. I once heard a guy from my office building (before I knew I'd ever work in that building...much less live in this city), say that down by our building, the cold and wind will cut right through you in the winter. Ya right, I thought. Even in the summer, there's an appreciable difference in the temperature between midtown and down by the water. I'm afraid he may be right. I'll let you know soon enough.
15. Pulled pork pizza isn't as good as it may seem on the surface.
16. You can't find a cab when it's raining. period.
17. If you happen to be at the wrong place a the wrong time, you may or may not have a lady come up to you and ask if toilet bowl cleaner will unclog her kitchen drain.
18. Don't wear khaki capris, a bright pink shirt, and Brighton flip flops to the East Village....unless you want to stick out like a sore thumb.
19. I might never get used to everything starting at 8pm on TV....and no news until 11pm. Terrible. Just terrible.
20. I knew this but alot of people don't. You are either a Jets/Mets fan, or a Yankees/Giants fan. You rarely find a mixture of the two.
21. When you buy milk, there are two expiration dates. One date, and then another if bought in the city, which is a closer date. Kinda makes you go hmmmmmm. Like, what are they doing to the poor quart of milk to get it into the store in the city? Letting it sit out for a day? Gross.
That's all I have for now....my future blogs won't be near as long....but there was alot to catch up on!!! Please say some prayers that I can get my house and car sold very soon. I've never had such financial stress....and it's not fun. Also, happy birthday yesterday to my sweet niece, Caroline!
I love and miss you all!
xoxoxoxo
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