Over the River and Through the Woods to NYC I Go!

Although I usually like to start my entries with something semi-witty and creative, unpacking my life into a brand new city has temporarily sucked the creativity out of me. Never fear- it will return! However, I feel it's just too cruel to keep everyone anxiously waiting and excited to hear how my move-in process and first day in the city was. I'd like to first start off by noting that 4:30 AM is not a time I see...ever...and it was definitely not a time I wanted to see the day of my move. The drive here was sort of a blur seeing as I was in and out of consciousness. I do have vivid recollections of my beloved aunt picking on me...who knew there was a mattress store right across the street from my apartment? I mean really, it would have been HILARIOUS to see Aunt Debbie drive a huge truck through New York City and back home, just so I could fit a free box spring in with my belongings. It was quite the ordeal trying to figure out for days where I could get one in the city. Anyhow, we safely arrived to Astoria sans the box spring, and began trucking all of my belongings up to my new room! I really didn't have anything too terribly heavy...except my new desk. After seeing my aunt take out all of the pieces to that desk, I had never in my life wished so terribly that my little sister was there to assist...or just build it for me. Handi(wo)man I am not. Two and a half hours of hammering, screwing screws in, and holding pieces together so they wouldn't move later, the desk was complete...and I have never seen such a beautiful desk in all of my life. Special thanks to Target and its corporate geniuses who decided a desk should break down into a million pieces. Clearly they were not thinking of me. Rude. Anyways, after that was complete, it was time for mom and Aunt Debbie to venture back home.Many tears were shed and goodbyes were had as my wonderful roommates promised to take care of me. Then they were off.  Boxes had been emptied out and my belongings were shoved in random drawers and to top it all off, I didn't have a box spring yet, so I walked back up to my room which looked like something half way between a closet with a cot in it and what my sister's room looks like on a daily basis (Sorry, Ang). I did as much as I could with the room and then headed out to dinner to this adorable little Italian restaurant that my roommate's boyfriend works at. The food was beyond delicious (fresh mozzerella and sauted brussel sprouts covered in salt and pepper- orgasmic!), the ambiance was charming, and the wine was wonderful. It was not at all the evening I had imagined that my first night in the city would be. Instead of lying in bed homesick and crying, I had an awesome night out with great girls.


To those of you who were wondering how I was feeling about my first day of work, I was too overwhelmed to be anxious or worried about it. It didn't set in till around 9 PM the night before that there was in fact a reason I was here. My first day went really well though! My roommate walked to the train with me (which is about a 10 minute walk from our apartment) and then the ride was about 20 minutes right into Bryant Park. Not bad at all! It was super easy and I wasn't freaked out by the subways at all. Before doing my internship in Soho in January, I was really nervous about the subway system. Clearly, I've watched too many episodes of Criminal Minds and Law and Order: SVU. They don't bother me at all now. Everyone uses the mass transit system, they're well lit, and they're super busy during commuting times. I mean, I'm obviously careful and pay attention to my surroundings, but I don't live in fear either. Anyhow, everyone in the office is super down to earth and genuinely kind. I feel like it's definitely going to be a very positive environment to work in. It'll definitely be a switch from working on my feet and talking to people for hours, but I think I'll adjust. I mean, they have chocolate there...what's not to like? OH! Speaking of chocolate, Dylan's Candy Bar is right next to the subway station I get off at. This could potentially be a problem, but potentially rather wonderful as well. There was actually chocolate from Israel that someone brought in today, and I must admit, their version of a Kit-Kat is far superior to ours. Their chocolate is much richer and less processed-tasting. Aside from indulging in sweets, I did actually work today too- do not be fooled. I live and work in such great areas. Bryant Park is awesome-free ice skating, lots of cute vendors, good places to eat, and the New York Public Library! On my way home from work, I also spent some time admiring the awesome places I'm surrounded by. I cannot wait for people to visit me so that I can try any of the millions of cafes/bars/restaurants I'm surrounded by, a Wing Bar, my drunken pleasure-Taco Bell, and lots of shopping!

I feel like I'm still sort of on auto-pilot, but so far I'm adjusting well! When I have a chance this weekend to pull some more of my new life together, I'll let you know how I'm fairing as a small town girl living in the big city.