Okay, I'm officially the worst. I have been meaning to write a blog post and update all of you on my (once again) adventuresome life trajectory. But things happen so fast, sometimes you don't even have a minute to sit down and write it all out. So, now I'm taking that minute. Do forgive me for my tardiness.
Jon and me cruising to Mexico
Life update: Jon and I are living in NYC! Crazy sauce, I know. As I am writing this, I'm staring out the living room window of our 1/1 apartment in Brooklyn, gazing upon the rooftop air conditioning units (?) of the adjacent building, with some trees and other buildings in the distance. Ahhhh, New York. (For those of you that have been following my blog for some years now, you'll remember that I lived in New York City for 5 months back in 2012 while doing an internship at Christie's. I stayed with my then-professor's mom, a darling 80-year-old woman named Phyllis, and I will definitely be reconnecting with her! Though Brooklyn is certainly a change from her Upper West Side apartment overlooking Central Park - I'm sure I'll adjust!)
The Brooklyn Museum
Soldiers' and Sailors' Arch, "To the Defenders of the Union 1861-1865"
Grand Army Plaza, Brooklyn
WHERE: We've got a great sublet on the edge of Crown Heights, Brooklyn, right across the street from the Botanic Gardens, and a 5 minute walk from the Brooklyn Museum.
WHEN: I just moved in Thursday evening and I spent the weekend unpacking our boxes and settling in, generally trying to make the apartment more home-y. Jon has been here for nearly 3 weeks now.
WHY: Well, Jon was promoted within his current company and there was a perfect job waiting for him here in NYC! I debated about staying in San Antonio until the wedding in April, but finally decided it was the right time for me to transition from my job. I also thought it would be really important for us to do this move together and experience this change in tandem just as we're about to embark on our lifelong partnership. I'm very happy I did, because we are already leaning on each other for support.
HOW: Hahaha. How. This might take a while. Let me just explain to you how quickly this all happened. We found out about the offer maybe 2 days before going on a week-long cruise with some pals. It seemed like the most stressful time to take a vacation, but we knew we'd regret not going. We had an awesome time - went to Progreso and Cozumel, Mexico and generally had a blast. (Pause for photos)
swimming in the cenotes of Progreso, Mexico
ultimate relaxation in Cozumel, Mexico
pineapple drinks with our pals Sara + Jason
on the boat
Such a great trip
When we got back, it was go-time. Jon had about 3 days to pack up his apartment and sell all his furniture (since we didn't know if we'd have a furnished apartment or not) so we packed him up then I went back to San Antonio and worked my last 2 weeks at the museum (which was hellish and super stressful). All the while I'm packing up my stuff and selling things and trying to say goodbye to my dear friends. Next thing I know, it's my last day of work and Jon's mom is flying in to help me pack up the truck and drive to Austin. The next day, we'd packed up Jon's apartment and we were on our way to NYC.
Look at this tree. Just look at it. LOOK AT THE BEAUTY.
Let me just tell you, that is a LOOOONG drive and Jon's mom is a saint for not making me do it alone. I had a grand scheme that we would do a podcast from the road, but that was ambitious. We busied ourselves with trying to name state capitals, which, I'm embarrassed to say, wasn't as easy as expected. In 2.5 days we'd made it all the way to the Empire State. I don't necessarily recommend driving 13+ hours per day, unless you like to push the limits of your sanity. By day 3 when we reached New Jersey I had somewhat of an emotional breakdown when I suddenly realized how quickly everything had changed.
I didn't live in Texas anymore. I was far away from my family again. I was far away from some of my very best friends again. I didn't have a job anymore. I would have to start over, again. Now, while this is an exciting thought, it's also one wrought with anxiety, stress, and the great unknown.
Admittedly horrendous photo of the NYC skyline as we drove in Thursday night.
Everyone had been asking me, "Aren't you excited?" "Wow, New York City! Have you found a job?" Meanwhile I'm thinking Uhhh yes I'm excited, but no I haven't even looked for a job yet since there's a lot of logistical shit I need to take care of. A few nights before leaving San Antonio I had dinner with a few girlfriends and during the meal I realized it was the first time I'd felt relaxed in about 10 days. Then there was the moment in New Jersey when I realized for the first time that I didn't have the same life I had 2 days ago. That's an overwhelming feeling. It's full of promise and opportunity, of course, and also full of questions and shaky variables.
Would these North Eastern people be rude to me? Answer: It's a mixed bag so far. We've met some VERY nice people but I need a larger sample size before I commit to this one.
Would I find a job that suits me? Yet to be answered. Lots of opportunity, and lots of competition. But I feel confident in myself and my capabilities.
So far I've noticed a couple things about Brooklyn:
1. It's brisk outside. I'm not going to call it cold, but I have been wearing long sleeves, scarves, and light jackets. A drastic shift from the high '80s in San Antonio last week.
2. I am very aware of my whiteness. Apparently we live in a Carribbean/Jamaican neighborhood and I didn't realize how much my previous environments had conditioned me to be comfortable in the majority.
3. I'm experiencing so many things I would have never experienced before. In the few days I've been here, Jon and I have happened upon a Michael Jackson-themed Roller Disco (super fun), a Panamanian Independence Parade, and a great local pub where people freely discuss art exhibitions and liberal politics.
At a Michael Jackson-themed Roller Disco
Panamanian Independence Parade
Brunching it with my boo, Tom's Restaurant
I could get used to this. I will get used to this. Everything takes a period of adjustment. And I'm just getting started.
Love the updates and so glad you're already finding fun things to go in NYC. In no time at all, you'll be right in the swing of things and it'll feel like home. At least with this new beginning, you've got Jon there with you. The two of you will be great! Miss you!
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