This song (the one from this post's title) has been going through my head all day...anyone know where it's from?
It's weird/enjoyable/anxiety giving/weird not to really have anything to do at any particular time. For my friends and family they understand what I mean by this, as they all experienced me feeling "weird" most of last summer. I quite enjoy reading, walking, taking some time to do nothing...but it also makes my mind confused. My mind does not understand that I don't have to be busy all the time, but then again, I guess this year (and my life) is about growth. I'll work my very best and not working until my orientation, classes and my field placement start (REALLY soon!).
Today I slept in. It was already hot when I got out of bed, and much to my chagrin, my fans are not air conditioners. (that word usage was strictly for Yesminda).
I made my down Broadway today, mainly looking for some food and a quality frying pan. Found the former, and then tried to get a Library Card (which I forgot my address documentation, so I'll have to try again tomorrow). I then headed back to my apartment for some more sunscreen and took the bus through Harlem so I could find the Goodwill. Again, no frying pan. But I did get a bunch of cheap curtains and a pot.
On my way back from Goodwill I decided to visit Marshalls (like a Ross) where I found a bunch of cheap cooking supplies, including a frying pan! My only qualm with the place was that it took me over 20 minutes waiting in line to check-out. The good news is I met a kind old woman who stood behind me in line, waiting to buy work-out gear so she could stop giving her girlfriends the excuse of "I don't even have the right clothes."
Completing the maze of check-out lines (very similar zig-zag to that of Disneyland rides, with similar excitement when you get to the front of the line) I went outside to catch the bus back to my apartment.
I waited and waited, but the M60 would not show. Lots of other buses came and went, but not mine. Because it was late and I was hungry, and tired of waiting, I hopped across the street to purchase some food from a vendor...when guess what happened!! TWO, yes TWO M60's came down the street. Already committed to buying some food, I let them pass with my patronage. Once the sausage was in my hand I decided to walk (with my bag from Goodwill + my bag from Marshalls). I heard loud music and drumming, so I stopped by to see what the commotion was about. A Harlem, Summer Sound Stage with musicians and a group of drummer. I stood for a while, but with no place left to sit and the weight of my bags dragging me down I decided to keep heading for "**home." Soon a M60 bus was close by. Thank God, becuase although my first day here I walked much further, with the bags and the length I had been carrying them, I was more than ready to take a seat/place on the bus. My neck/back hurts while I write this...I'm actually hoping that it's from the bags, instead of my bed which I'll have to survive with much longer.
**Although this apartment is where I'm staying for a while, it doesn't quite feel like "home" to me yet. Although Malott will always be my "hometown," I've called Tacoma (and more specifically Peace) home more recently. We'll see how soon (if ever) New York can be my home.
Talked to Nissana on the phone (my roommate) just a bit ago. I'm excited for her to come and share in the fun of settling in. She won't start her program for another month, so I have plenty of time to take on New York City all by my lonesome.
It seems I haven't quite adjusted to the time zone-switch, as I've been going to bed and getting up late...perhaps I should hit the hay.
My mother will be coming back from Hawaii tomorrow morning, so I hope this gives her something to read when she gets back!
Peace yo.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Rainy
Yesterday it rained ALL DAY! It was pretty weird, almost reminded me of WA. But all the rain meant that it was (at least a little) cooler. I spent most of my day in my apartment cleaning the gross bathroom, putting pictures up on the wall etc. Basically all the stuff that will make this empty apartment feel a little more like home.
I couldn't find a French Press as cheap as one I had found online, so I went ahead and ordered it...the only problem being it won't be here until next week probably. I'll have to survive until then.
I also bought all of my books for classes yesterday. An enjoyable, but expensive trip! I think when you are paying so much for tuition/board etc. books should be included...who do I talk to about that?
New York is loud...especially when it's right outside your window. Sirens, engines, car horns, people yelling, there is never a break. Something I'll have to get used to (it's a bit different than Malott, and even than Tacoma).
Have you ever had an apple that was exactly what you needed? I'm eating a Pink Lady from Whole Foods, it's water-cored and probably one of the most delicious apples I've ever eaten. The only probably is that it was grown in New Zealans...where are all the Washington Apples? huh?
Although it rained yesterday, it is bright and sunny today. I'll have to put on some sunscreen so I don't have another Wild Waves incident...hehe. My plan for the rest of the day: 1) ID Card, 2) look into concerts, 3) explore my neighborhood.
Love you all.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
First day as a New York City resident...
7-29 So…I woke up this morning for coffee. I’ve come here, to Café Bugutta for coffee. And it’s good. It’s nice to know that there is such a quaint, enjoyable place, a stone’s throw away from my apartment. I will be buying a coffee pot or a French press today, so I no longer will have to buy my coffee, but it is still a good place to come and study (write my blog).
Kristi will be saddened to know that this place is no longer the café that it was when we visit in March (another reason why you must come and visit). Some of the changes are good: pencil drawings on the wall, and more seating because they pushed back the counter, but the sweet women who served us are no longer here (let’s stay optimistic and say it’s their day off).
On to other subjects, which are probably more important to you.
My first day in New York in one word: good/hot…ok I cheated, that’s two.
I arrived at La Gaurdia at about 9:15am, which was 6:15am in my PNW head. I had left my sleepy-plane medicine on my checked baggage (which were both over weight-probably the pills fault) so I didn’t sleep very well. The funny thing is that I can pretty much sleep anywhere…except planes. I got a little sleep on the second of my two flights (from Minnesota to New York) as the flight was pretty empty and I got three seats to myself!
I took a cab to sign my lease (WAY more expensive than the bus) but I was tired and had all of what I brought with me = way too much for my sleep-deprived self to bring on the bus. So I splurged and paid a wonderful man from Brooklyn to drive me. Although exhausted, our drive was a good length so we chatted for quite a bit. He has lived in New York for over 40 years, and thinks that I will probably fall in love with either New York or a New Yorker and end up living here (I told him my mother disagrees, but he didn’t care). He had a picture in his cab of Brooklyn’s former Hasidic Jewish leader whom he said others thought was the messiah. My cab driver did not, but kept the picture up because he was a great leader of his faith.
The other conversation was varied, but there was one other poignant topic: Church. We drove by “Transfiguration Lutheran Church” which he thought was humorous. He commented on congregation members becoming animals or storybook characters as they entered the church. We laughed together and then told him I was actually looking for a Lutheran church (or any really…) that I could attend, and perhaps I should use this as a sign to got there and check it out…and hope that I won’t turn into an animal (other than human, of course).
I signed my lease in an office that looked very clean and new (which I hoped my apartment to be). I walked (with all of my belongings) to my new home from the office. Don’t worry, it was a pretty short walk (THANK GOD!). I waited for my Super, and when he didn’t come the Maintenance-guy in my building gave me my keys and helped me to my apartment. He spent the rest of the day in and out of my apartment, finishing cleaning that the porter hadn’t, and sweating. My apartment was literally 1000 degrees…I didn’t even know thermometers went that high…hehe.
(My apartment, with it's lonely camping chair for furniture. Notice the fan box.)
My first errand was to the hardware store, which was conveniently located in the bottom floor of my apartment building! I bought two fans and an Ethernet cord. I think I will be frequenting the place, not necessarily because of the convenience, but more so the two men working in the store. They joked with me, told me they had been in the business, locally for over 50 years and they were the best in the business. I wondered how their prices compared to those of bigger companies, but something about the price doesn’t matter. Although money is spare (NY is expensive) there’s something about putting money into the actual community (and building), instead of a nation/international chain store. So I guess this decision made me realize that I am now…officially and New York Local (at least for a year).
I spent the rest of my day running errands (some local, and some not so) buying needed supplies for living in my new apartment/unfurnished apartment. I was advised of a Whole Foods that was on a subway stop. I definitely went during a bad time of day…the line when I got there was literally ¼ around the store.
First Day in NYC:
• Bed
• Sheets
• Pillows
• Hangers
• Ice cube trays
• Towels
• First Day in New York
One of my trips brought me to Columbus Circle.
Kristi will be saddened to know that this place is no longer the café that it was when we visit in March (another reason why you must come and visit). Some of the changes are good: pencil drawings on the wall, and more seating because they pushed back the counter, but the sweet women who served us are no longer here (let’s stay optimistic and say it’s their day off).
On to other subjects, which are probably more important to you.
My first day in New York in one word: good/hot…ok I cheated, that’s two.
I arrived at La Gaurdia at about 9:15am, which was 6:15am in my PNW head. I had left my sleepy-plane medicine on my checked baggage (which were both over weight-probably the pills fault) so I didn’t sleep very well. The funny thing is that I can pretty much sleep anywhere…except planes. I got a little sleep on the second of my two flights (from Minnesota to New York) as the flight was pretty empty and I got three seats to myself!
I took a cab to sign my lease (WAY more expensive than the bus) but I was tired and had all of what I brought with me = way too much for my sleep-deprived self to bring on the bus. So I splurged and paid a wonderful man from Brooklyn to drive me. Although exhausted, our drive was a good length so we chatted for quite a bit. He has lived in New York for over 40 years, and thinks that I will probably fall in love with either New York or a New Yorker and end up living here (I told him my mother disagrees, but he didn’t care). He had a picture in his cab of Brooklyn’s former Hasidic Jewish leader whom he said others thought was the messiah. My cab driver did not, but kept the picture up because he was a great leader of his faith.
The other conversation was varied, but there was one other poignant topic: Church. We drove by “Transfiguration Lutheran Church” which he thought was humorous. He commented on congregation members becoming animals or storybook characters as they entered the church. We laughed together and then told him I was actually looking for a Lutheran church (or any really…) that I could attend, and perhaps I should use this as a sign to got there and check it out…and hope that I won’t turn into an animal (other than human, of course).
I signed my lease in an office that looked very clean and new (which I hoped my apartment to be). I walked (with all of my belongings) to my new home from the office. Don’t worry, it was a pretty short walk (THANK GOD!). I waited for my Super, and when he didn’t come the Maintenance-guy in my building gave me my keys and helped me to my apartment. He spent the rest of the day in and out of my apartment, finishing cleaning that the porter hadn’t, and sweating. My apartment was literally 1000 degrees…I didn’t even know thermometers went that high…hehe.
(My apartment, with it's lonely camping chair for furniture. Notice the fan box.)My first errand was to the hardware store, which was conveniently located in the bottom floor of my apartment building! I bought two fans and an Ethernet cord. I think I will be frequenting the place, not necessarily because of the convenience, but more so the two men working in the store. They joked with me, told me they had been in the business, locally for over 50 years and they were the best in the business. I wondered how their prices compared to those of bigger companies, but something about the price doesn’t matter. Although money is spare (NY is expensive) there’s something about putting money into the actual community (and building), instead of a nation/international chain store. So I guess this decision made me realize that I am now…officially and New York Local (at least for a year).
I spent the rest of my day running errands (some local, and some not so) buying needed supplies for living in my new apartment/unfurnished apartment. I was advised of a Whole Foods that was on a subway stop. I definitely went during a bad time of day…the line when I got there was literally ¼ around the store.
First Day in NYC:
• Bed
• Sheets
• Pillows
• Hangers
• Ice cube trays
• Towels
• First Day in New York
One of my trips brought me to Columbus Circle.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
So, I got a brand new camera, specifically to document (and show my mother) my adventure in New York. I think what could be better use of it right now, than to document (and show my mother) my last few days in Tacoma!
Kris came over last night from Vashon Island. She got to meet some of my staff, who were freaked-out because "there are two of you!" Then we went to Le-Le's! Tiring day, but good.
Alright...I need to work on packing! Both of my suitcases were over weight when I "pseudo-weighed" them on my sister's scale, so I'm working on cutting back even more! I hope to eat some food soon, so I can keep up my energy!
Me and Shanni...yes, I'm smiling, even though it looks like a frown. She came all the way from Portland!
This is one of the girls that I mentored this year...I'm so glad I got to see her one more time before I left for NYC!
This is the FABULOUS book I've been reading (thanks Jes and Anne!). This is how I spent most of my time while at Wild Waves with my staff. I chose to not run around, but take a little break before I had to spend today packing/getting ready (or updating my blog, hehe).
Kris came over last night from Vashon Island. She got to meet some of my staff, who were freaked-out because "there are two of you!" Then we went to Le-Le's! Tiring day, but good.
Alright...I need to work on packing! Both of my suitcases were over weight when I "pseudo-weighed" them on my sister's scale, so I'm working on cutting back even more! I hope to eat some food soon, so I can keep up my energy!
I'm speaking at church tomorrow and am really excited! I can't believe I'm leaving in a couple days! yikes!
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Shannon...and me
Hey all!
Shannon is up from Portland for a couple of days, so she can hangout and see me before I leave on my long journey. She hung out at the "Camp Peace Showcase" this evening and we played a mean game of kickball.
It was enjoyable to see all of our kids, and their siblings/neighbors/parents/g-parents etc playing "bump" and kickball. A little stressful because of some conflicts, but still enjoyable :)
Shannon and I went to Porta Vallarta (sp? forgive me) to chill and catch up--we needed it!
We're tired, and lots to do.
So, Kerri Jo signing off.
Shannon is up from Portland for a couple of days, so she can hangout and see me before I leave on my long journey. She hung out at the "Camp Peace Showcase" this evening and we played a mean game of kickball.
It was enjoyable to see all of our kids, and their siblings/neighbors/parents/g-parents etc playing "bump" and kickball. A little stressful because of some conflicts, but still enjoyable :)
Shannon and I went to Porta Vallarta (sp? forgive me) to chill and catch up--we needed it!
We're tired, and lots to do.
So, Kerri Jo signing off.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
NYC ETA: In about 6 1/2 days...
So...
Here's the introduction, to what will hopefully be the story of my new life in New York City! As most of you know...I'm moving to NYC to go to graduate school at Columbia University. I will be studying and working towards a Master in Social Work Degree and will graduate next May (May 19, 2010 to be specific).
Included in this blog will be some pictures, stories and reflections of my time at graduate school and in the big city. I hope to update at least once a week, but who knows once I start class and my field placement.
If you have questions or comments about myself, my life or anything else (really!) just let me know! I'll need some contact with everyong from home and Peace, so please feel free to comment!
Last weekend I went home (sorry I wasn't at Peace!) to bring a carload of things I won't need in New York, so I could store it at my gracious mother's house. It was a great weekend: visiting with my mother, arguing/debating with my uncle, going to church with my grandparents and carrying a lot of boxes!
So many more stories to come, but now I need to pack (so I can leave on time!). Camp Peace ends this Thursday, with an adventure to Wild Waves with 20+ high schoolers on Friday (wish me luck!).
Here's the introduction, to what will hopefully be the story of my new life in New York City! As most of you know...I'm moving to NYC to go to graduate school at Columbia University. I will be studying and working towards a Master in Social Work Degree and will graduate next May (May 19, 2010 to be specific).
Included in this blog will be some pictures, stories and reflections of my time at graduate school and in the big city. I hope to update at least once a week, but who knows once I start class and my field placement.
If you have questions or comments about myself, my life or anything else (really!) just let me know! I'll need some contact with everyong from home and Peace, so please feel free to comment!
Last weekend I went home (sorry I wasn't at Peace!) to bring a carload of things I won't need in New York, so I could store it at my gracious mother's house. It was a great weekend: visiting with my mother, arguing/debating with my uncle, going to church with my grandparents and carrying a lot of boxes!
So many more stories to come, but now I need to pack (so I can leave on time!). Camp Peace ends this Thursday, with an adventure to Wild Waves with 20+ high schoolers on Friday (wish me luck!).
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