I realize it's been a ridiculously long time since I've taken time to update this...but don't think that means that nothing has happened. This month has been a whirlwind.
Most of you know by now that Kelly did in fact find a job (actually, she had four job offers by the end of her visit). She was back for good two weeks after her visit. Along with Markian, we moved into a beautiful true three-bedroom apartment on the Upper East Side. Despite the long, grueling (and annoying) process it was to secure the apartment in our name, it was well worth it. I took a few photos when we first moved in: kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, living room. Some of the views: from my bedroom, from the hallway, from the rooftop terrace (yes, we have a rooftop terrace).
Before I go any further, I should mention Maury. Again, most of you probably know this already...but Maury passed away on January 22. I don't really want to go into detail--still an emotional topic for me--but I just want to say I miss him terribly and life isn't the same without him.
Other than that, life has been pretty good--definitely trying to enjoy the ride. This city has introduced me to a plethora of both experiences and people, and I love it. As much as one tries to prepare for life in the city, you can't truly grasp it until you are here, living and breathing it. And I must say, the vast majority of people from back home were trying to warn me about how rude people would be here, but clearly they are just riding off of stereotypes that are perpetuated through the media. In New York, I have come across some of the most genuine, thoughtful people I've ever met. Most people are transplants themselves, so they know how overwhelming the experience can be at times. The difference between New York Nice and Minnesota Nice? The people here are actually nice, not passive aggressive.
I have been having fun going out with my friends, old and new. Micah has been gone for about
a month, but we went out a few more times before he left. It's always trouble with Kelly and I take over a bar (or restaurant or liquor store or Gracious Home store). Markian, our third roommate, has been great. He works at Warner Brothers Records, so I usually get to go to events as his +1. That's a photo of us at R&B singer Bobby Valentino's album release party.
I've had some of the most memorable nights of my life thus far, and I know it'll only get better. Don't get me wrong--there have also been days when this city kicks my ass. But no matter how bad of a day I'm having, one thing that can always cheer me up is walking to the train after work up Mulberry Street or Mott Street, looking up and seeing the Empire State Building, lit up in all its glory. It's a beautiful vision, and I'm told even jaded New Yorkers who have been here for years smile at the sight of it.
As good as my social life is here, I remain focused on work (it's what got me here, after all). I have started a new role at work as a project manager...I love it! I feel like it's a better fit than the role I was previously in. I enjoy going to work; we had President's Day off and I just didn't know what to do with myself--I would have rather been in the office. Part of me misses the college lifestyle of rolling out of bed, throwing on sweats, and staggering (usually hungover) to class--if I felt like it. However, life is much more rewarding now. The time I had at the University of Minnesota was the time of my life; I am just on a different, larger-than-life ride called New York City now.
Oh! I almost forgot--yesterday I decided to cut my hair...let me rephrase that: I decided to cut approximately six to seven inches off my hair. Judging on the number of free patron shots (I had ONE drink on my bar tab) and the compliments the gays gave me last night, I'm certain it was a good decision. Here's a photo of the back of it.
I am going to try to update this more regularly (Eva: continue to hassle me). I want to write more specific stories, but sometimes life gets in the way :) I love comments, so leave some. I'll leave you with a few photos of Manhattan taken from Roosevelt Island.
Most of you know by now that Kelly did in fact find a job (actually, she had four job offers by the end of her visit). She was back for good two weeks after her visit. Along with Markian, we moved into a beautiful true three-bedroom apartment on the Upper East Side. Despite the long, grueling (and annoying) process it was to secure the apartment in our name, it was well worth it. I took a few photos when we first moved in: kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, living room. Some of the views: from my bedroom, from the hallway, from the rooftop terrace (yes, we have a rooftop terrace).
Before I go any further, I should mention Maury. Again, most of you probably know this already...but Maury passed away on January 22. I don't really want to go into detail--still an emotional topic for me--but I just want to say I miss him terribly and life isn't the same without him.
Other than that, life has been pretty good--definitely trying to enjoy the ride. This city has introduced me to a plethora of both experiences and people, and I love it. As much as one tries to prepare for life in the city, you can't truly grasp it until you are here, living and breathing it. And I must say, the vast majority of people from back home were trying to warn me about how rude people would be here, but clearly they are just riding off of stereotypes that are perpetuated through the media. In New York, I have come across some of the most genuine, thoughtful people I've ever met. Most people are transplants themselves, so they know how overwhelming the experience can be at times. The difference between New York Nice and Minnesota Nice? The people here are actually nice, not passive aggressive.
I have been having fun going out with my friends, old and new. Micah has been gone for about
a month, but we went out a few more times before he left. It's always trouble with Kelly and I take over a bar (or restaurant or liquor store or Gracious Home store). Markian, our third roommate, has been great. He works at Warner Brothers Records, so I usually get to go to events as his +1. That's a photo of us at R&B singer Bobby Valentino's album release party.I've had some of the most memorable nights of my life thus far, and I know it'll only get better. Don't get me wrong--there have also been days when this city kicks my ass. But no matter how bad of a day I'm having, one thing that can always cheer me up is walking to the train after work up Mulberry Street or Mott Street, looking up and seeing the Empire State Building, lit up in all its glory. It's a beautiful vision, and I'm told even jaded New Yorkers who have been here for years smile at the sight of it.
As good as my social life is here, I remain focused on work (it's what got me here, after all). I have started a new role at work as a project manager...I love it! I feel like it's a better fit than the role I was previously in. I enjoy going to work; we had President's Day off and I just didn't know what to do with myself--I would have rather been in the office. Part of me misses the college lifestyle of rolling out of bed, throwing on sweats, and staggering (usually hungover) to class--if I felt like it. However, life is much more rewarding now. The time I had at the University of Minnesota was the time of my life; I am just on a different, larger-than-life ride called New York City now.
Oh! I almost forgot--yesterday I decided to cut my hair...let me rephrase that: I decided to cut approximately six to seven inches off my hair. Judging on the number of free patron shots (I had ONE drink on my bar tab) and the compliments the gays gave me last night, I'm certain it was a good decision. Here's a photo of the back of it.
I am going to try to update this more regularly (Eva: continue to hassle me). I want to write more specific stories, but sometimes life gets in the way :) I love comments, so leave some. I'll leave you with a few photos of Manhattan taken from Roosevelt Island.
