We can't believe it's already been a month living in New York City! There definitely have been a lot of ups and downs. It's difficult to describe all the feelings, and I probably should have tracked better along the way, but here is a day-by-day short account of big moments in my mind.
4/26: Brunch with Grandpa Fred; Apartment hunting in the rain (Gianluca and TJ cancelled/forgot; waited in the rain for Brian for 30mins)
4/27: Danny's rehearsal at Tess' apartment; walk around Prospect Park with Rachel and Mike; meet Tess' apartment broker at MySpaceNYC (Danny recognized her from San Diego! Small world.)
4/28: Check out apartments with broker. Get cashier's check from bank.
4/29: Sign lease. Danny rehearsal with Tess. I watercolor in Prospect Park and give painting away to child. Help Jeff Miles move to Park Slope. Ikea run with Jeff, then dinner at Indian restaurant. Return to Staten Island to sleep.
4/30: Move stuff to apartment. Keys don't work. 2 hours to figure it all out. Food & Internet at Colador. Really nice people. Jackie, Peter, and other dude. Bed arrives. Take 4 hours to put it together. Sleep.
5/1: Finish putting together bed (didn't want to hammer late at night). Coffee and Internet at Colador. Ikea and Target. Danny says "I think I can microwave eggs" and another guy down the aisle says "oh it's come down to that has it?" BBQ at Matt's place.
5/2: Brooklyn Bridge and South Street Seaport and Financial District with Roxxy. Bed Bath & Beyond and Target shopping spree. Hooray gift cards.
5/3: Put together furniture.
5/4: Haircut and Nails in Park Slope while Danny does jam session with Jeff Miles; taking Danny's bass on the subway for the first time to gig at Shrine in Harlem. Hang at Alex Brown's place. Jam at Creole. Talk to some Greek jazz musicians outside.
5/5: Cince de Mayo! Party at Matt's. Meet up with Roxxy at Hooters.
5/6: Danny plays with Miss Tess at Rodeo Bar. Late night hang.
5/7: Day goes to Boston. I'm alone for the first time.
5/8: Hang with Peggy, Dina, Tom, Manny and Dimitri. Times Square, Rockefeller Center, Grand Central Station, then off to Astoria. Dinner at Avenue and dessert and Frappe w/ Baileys at Omonia.
5/9: Happy Mother's Day. Go to Staten Island for Grandma Cora's party.
5/10: Sightseeing with Peggy, Dina, Tom and his parents. Grayline Tour bus and pizza dinner.
5/11: "There's no reason to live on Depressame Street" - Laurel
5/12: Visit with Glenda and her baby at Fort Hamilton.
5/13: Bronx zoo with Nicole and Tyson. Date night with Danny. Iron Man.
5/14: Met my neighbor just before doing laundry. She's really nice. I'm feeling hopeful. Also, watching too many baby videos on youtube. Have a mental breakdown while on facebook talking to Talia and Anthony. They remind me to just believe. To wait. To pray. Believe.
5/15: Walk around Clinton Hill area. Find a Flea Market. Eat shave ice on a hot day. Dany returns. Shocked by the hard time that Ausdha is having. Danny goes into full-friend-action mode. I pray. Pray.
5/16: Church at St. Constantine & Helen church in Brooklyn. I don't feel comfortable enough to engage in conversation. I'm feeling awkward and shy. I walk around the area and explore the Fulton Street Mall (a street of cheap but cute stores). Cirque du Soleil afterparty on rooftop bar. Crazy "performance" by non-cirque troupe. A good day for us. Wait.
5/17: Danny leaves for tour with Tess. Alone again. We hear Ausha is doing better. Breathe.
5/18: I sign up for a month of dance classes at "Dance with Grace" through a discount on Groupon. Rain. I go to explore for a post office. Have lunch at Square Root cafe and find myself in the middle of a photo shoot. So New York.
5/19: Gym with Starr. Great lady. I hope she can be my new friend :)
5/20: Visit Grandpa Fred & Grandma Cora & Tita Tita so that I won't be lonely. Stay the night. Good times. Late at night I talk with Danny on the phone and have an emotional fit. I didn't know it would be this hard.
5/21: Happy hour in Prospect Park with Nicole. I'm glad to be getting to know her better. $3 vodka/ginger ales. Yum. Walk through prospect park to subway to Vox Pop in Cortelyou area to see Kenny play. Sean is there too. Hang with them back at their apartment later. Good times with new friends :)
5/22: Dance Parade! Explore St. Marks. 50% off sushi for dinner. Talk with Maro on the phone. I miss home so much. Grandpa Jerry is not doing well. He is in the hospital in Virginia. Danny will visit him in the morning.
5/23: I go to church in Astoria at St. Demetrios and stay for the Greek Festival. Talk to a really jaded lady who is mad that there is no English in this church. Then I sit with 2 ladies that speak only Greek. Meet Laura and Kat who are really nice and we exchange info. I do some Greek shopping. Danny returns late at night. He looks even more handsome to me than ever. I have missed him so much.
5/24: Got back door lock replaced. Yay. Surprised with a phone interview. Personal interview on Thursday.
5/25: Happy Hour with Nicole at Flight 151. Shopping at Union Square. Adventures on the subway getting to Tess' place. Back on subway with Danny to get to Creole in Harlem.
5/26: Spent the day indoors. Hulu is good times. Oh the joys of internet tv.
In the future, here's what I hope to post, by popular demand:
- PHOTOS: of our apartment and the surrounding area
- VIDEOS: Danny's first gigs/jams
- What else should I write about?
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Friday, April 23, 2010
Day 10: Finally to New York!
4/25/10
Happy Birthday Danny! I give you New York.
We stopped at a Perkins on the way from Cleveland to New York for lunch and I asked the waitresses to come out and sing him Happy Birthday. They brought out a half sugar half chocolate chip cookie with a lit candle in it. Very cute.
As we were driving through the foggy hills, we started to realize that we are MOVING! Not just traveling but making a life change.
We arrived in Staten Island at Grandpa Fred & Grandma Cora's house (my mom's uncle and aunt) around 9pm and had some pancit and talked about our travels, along with Auntie Tita as well.
While this is then end of our road trip, there are still more updates to come. We won't have reliable internet access for the next week, so it may take a bit to post a new blog. Until then, wish us luck.
Posts to come...
- in the rain
- rehearsals
- painting in Prospect Park
- our apartment in Clinton Hill
- adventures on Brooklyn Bridge
Happy Birthday Danny! I give you New York.
We stopped at a Perkins on the way from Cleveland to New York for lunch and I asked the waitresses to come out and sing him Happy Birthday. They brought out a half sugar half chocolate chip cookie with a lit candle in it. Very cute.
As we were driving through the foggy hills, we started to realize that we are MOVING! Not just traveling but making a life change.
We arrived in Staten Island at Grandpa Fred & Grandma Cora's house (my mom's uncle and aunt) around 9pm and had some pancit and talked about our travels, along with Auntie Tita as well.
While this is then end of our road trip, there are still more updates to come. We won't have reliable internet access for the next week, so it may take a bit to post a new blog. Until then, wish us luck.
Posts to come...
- in the rain
- rehearsals
- painting in Prospect Park
- our apartment in Clinton Hill
- adventures on Brooklyn Bridge
Day 9: Chicago with the Adaos, landing in Cleveland
4/24/10
This morning began with Spam and eggs and pancakes and surprisingly delicious Folgers semi-instant coffee. We continued to taking turns to "ma li ligo" (to bathe, in Tagalog), and instructing Danny on how to use a "tabo" (the smaller bucket that we use to scoop water out of the bigger bucket for which to bathe). I'm glad that I'm able to share this part of my life with Danny. I don't think he (or many of my friends) know about this part of my growing up. Only that I have a tendency to use my hands when I eat sometimes, but rarely in public... and growing ever rarer at home now.
Danny go to bond with the girls by playing Smash Brothers, then we headed out for a "pashial" (an outing). We went to walk around Soldier Field and Shedd Aquarium and the Field Museum, and found lots of fun climbing the jungle gym that was "the world" as we climbed atop and named the continents and located a few known points on the map.
When we tired of this we went to Navy Pier for lunch and more of a walkabout. As my "ate" (older female sibling) Lynn and I walked arm in arm, I felt and enjoyed our deeper connection. I miss my mom and sister in our embrace, but I also feel closer as well. Saying goodbye to the Adao family is bittersweet in this way as well.
I know that tonight we reach Cleveland (and a free night at the Comfort Inn, thank you special rewards points!), and tomorrow our final descent so to speak on New York City. This particular trip is shoring up, but our new life together is just beginning to crest.
This morning began with Spam and eggs and pancakes and surprisingly delicious Folgers semi-instant coffee. We continued to taking turns to "ma li ligo" (to bathe, in Tagalog), and instructing Danny on how to use a "tabo" (the smaller bucket that we use to scoop water out of the bigger bucket for which to bathe). I'm glad that I'm able to share this part of my life with Danny. I don't think he (or many of my friends) know about this part of my growing up. Only that I have a tendency to use my hands when I eat sometimes, but rarely in public... and growing ever rarer at home now.
Danny go to bond with the girls by playing Smash Brothers, then we headed out for a "pashial" (an outing). We went to walk around Soldier Field and Shedd Aquarium and the Field Museum, and found lots of fun climbing the jungle gym that was "the world" as we climbed atop and named the continents and located a few known points on the map.
When we tired of this we went to Navy Pier for lunch and more of a walkabout. As my "ate" (older female sibling) Lynn and I walked arm in arm, I felt and enjoyed our deeper connection. I miss my mom and sister in our embrace, but I also feel closer as well. Saying goodbye to the Adao family is bittersweet in this way as well.
I know that tonight we reach Cleveland (and a free night at the Comfort Inn, thank you special rewards points!), and tomorrow our final descent so to speak on New York City. This particular trip is shoring up, but our new life together is just beginning to crest.
Day 8: Museum with Roberta, evening with the Adao Family
4/23/2010
We woke up for breakfast at 930 at (INSERT NAME). It was nice to have some more time with Fiora. Roberta then took us on the 151 bus toward the Art Institute Museum. There we took in some great art, including the big Matisse exhibit, but also some Picasso, Chagall, O'Keefe, and other names I couldn't remember but appreciated all the same. I'm never good with this name thing. I had an almost argument with Danny about remembering names. Actually it was more of an internal argument with myself. Why can't I remember names of artists/musicians/songs? Is it that I don't care to remember? That can't be, because I appreciate the art. Maybe I just appreciate it in the moment so much, that I don't store it for long-term memory. That's a personal thing I have to explore. Nevertheless, I developed some eye-fatigue from all the art we soaked in. And a bit of a neck cramp (or maybe it was from sleeping on the wrong side of the bed last night).
After the museum we had a nice lunch at the Park Cafe right under the Bean. Smoked salmon club sandwich. Yum. They had a great olive tapenade. Good service, but we missed the charm of "Chach".
We took the 22 back to Roberta's, but on the ride Danny developed a headache from the horrible odor that we had to sit with on our 10-15 minute ride. We couldn't tell exactly if it was coming from the homeless man sitting across from us, because I remembered smelling it from the moment we entered the bus. I figured I'd better start getting used to it if we're movign to New York. Who knows what smells, and sights, we'll encounter there.
After packign up our things at Roberta's, she said she would take us to my cousin's apartment in Little Italy. We decided to keep our car safe in her complex's garage. Then we'd get a ride back to pick up the car when we head on the road. I was a little afraid at first before meeting Roberta in person, because I had never met her and didn't know what to expect. With the Browns, at least I knew them from our wedding. She has been just as kind and welcoming. We had a great time with her (and Fiora of course) and look forward to visiting again.
I'm not sure if Danny was feeling nervous to meet my cousins. He has never met the Adaos and this was the first time we'd be spending the night with someone on my side of the family. Of course Danny was as great as always at being social and open. Clariza and Camille were a bit shy at first, but I played some volleyball with them in the backyard, and we all played some Wii games a bit later in the night so I feel like we're beginning to make a connection. After picking up Ate Lynn from work, we ordered thai food and enjoyed it at the Adao home. I'm glad we are here. It makes me feel more at home to be with my side of the family. I know that I have Danny, but having my blood relatives closeby makes me feel a little less homesick.
We woke up for breakfast at 930 at (INSERT NAME). It was nice to have some more time with Fiora. Roberta then took us on the 151 bus toward the Art Institute Museum. There we took in some great art, including the big Matisse exhibit, but also some Picasso, Chagall, O'Keefe, and other names I couldn't remember but appreciated all the same. I'm never good with this name thing. I had an almost argument with Danny about remembering names. Actually it was more of an internal argument with myself. Why can't I remember names of artists/musicians/songs? Is it that I don't care to remember? That can't be, because I appreciate the art. Maybe I just appreciate it in the moment so much, that I don't store it for long-term memory. That's a personal thing I have to explore. Nevertheless, I developed some eye-fatigue from all the art we soaked in. And a bit of a neck cramp (or maybe it was from sleeping on the wrong side of the bed last night).
After the museum we had a nice lunch at the Park Cafe right under the Bean. Smoked salmon club sandwich. Yum. They had a great olive tapenade. Good service, but we missed the charm of "Chach".
We took the 22 back to Roberta's, but on the ride Danny developed a headache from the horrible odor that we had to sit with on our 10-15 minute ride. We couldn't tell exactly if it was coming from the homeless man sitting across from us, because I remembered smelling it from the moment we entered the bus. I figured I'd better start getting used to it if we're movign to New York. Who knows what smells, and sights, we'll encounter there.
After packign up our things at Roberta's, she said she would take us to my cousin's apartment in Little Italy. We decided to keep our car safe in her complex's garage. Then we'd get a ride back to pick up the car when we head on the road. I was a little afraid at first before meeting Roberta in person, because I had never met her and didn't know what to expect. With the Browns, at least I knew them from our wedding. She has been just as kind and welcoming. We had a great time with her (and Fiora of course) and look forward to visiting again.
I'm not sure if Danny was feeling nervous to meet my cousins. He has never met the Adaos and this was the first time we'd be spending the night with someone on my side of the family. Of course Danny was as great as always at being social and open. Clariza and Camille were a bit shy at first, but I played some volleyball with them in the backyard, and we all played some Wii games a bit later in the night so I feel like we're beginning to make a connection. After picking up Ate Lynn from work, we ordered thai food and enjoyed it at the Adao home. I'm glad we are here. It makes me feel more at home to be with my side of the family. I know that I have Danny, but having my blood relatives closeby makes me feel a little less homesick.
Day 7: Chicago with Roberta and Fiora
4/22/10
After a quick gym workout, we packed our bags for Chicago. Of course I had to stop at White Castle for my first taste of this east coast glory. Tasty indeed and for only $3. But I paid for it later. Processed foods on a road trip. Remember to pack some Pepto.
I couldn't think of eating later when Danny wanted to stop at another Subway. Good thing he saved me half his footlong.
It was during this drive that I finally broke down. Two nights in uncharted territory and confined in this moving metal box with Danny heading to another larger but seemingly confined metal box I'll call in my mind New York. Away from my family and with just Danny to be my glue. I was holding in my emotions. I was planning so much for our trip, all the logistics of packing and mapping and reserving and communicating... that I did not communicate to myself what a big sacrifice this is for me. To do this for Danny, but also for us, means that I'm leaving everything I built up as my reality for the last 18 years or so since we moved from Greece. I tried thinking that I've made a similar move when we moved from Athens to San Diego, but I was 7 then, and probably not as invested in my previous life. And I was moving with my family unit (except for my dad, who would follow a year later). It was a lot simpler as a child. I knew I would be taken care of. And as much as Danny says he will take care of me, I can't help but need to know that I can take care of myself. I need that power. I need to be in control. But Danny did say that when you start feeling out of control, that's probably when you should be asking for help. I love him so much. I hope that we can make it. If we can make it there, we'll make it anywhere...
We reached Roberta's place, with dry eyes and smiling faces. She had it all set up for us to go out to dinner with her and Fiora. Both wonderful ladies and both remembering the Schaffners and Wellers fondly. Our dinner at Pizano's was memorable not only because we had what Oprah call's the best thin crust pizza, or because our waiter "Chach" was the embodiment of Chicago color commentary, but because we got to connect with Roberta and Fiora. My favorite part of this adventure once again is becoming related to our relatives!
We decided to call it an early night and to meet up again for breakfast with Fiora at a place on the corner near Sandburg Terrace.
Day 6: St. Louis
4/21/2010
On the road again, this time we feel more accustomed to the driving. At least they are not long stretches during this part of the trip. From Kansas City to St. Louis is about 5 hours. We only stopped at a gas station for lunch to warm up our pasta leftovers. That was plenty to tide us over.
I found out at the Comfort Inn Kansas City that we could go 2 reservations with a Choice hotel and get another one free. I figured why not, so I reserved another Comfort Inn for St. Louis, this time in the Airport area. Again great service and clean and well managed. We enjoyed the pool and gym (we realized it makes us feel much better especially after long hours in a seated position in the car). Then decided on Thai food and a search for evening events...
Danny was in charge of finding us a place and did a great job. We went to Basil Spice Thai. Good ratings on google. Great ratings from us. I've been noticing that I'm overeating, especially if it's really good food. Plus I don't want to waste, so if there's a little bit left, and it's too little to take home for leftovers, I try to finish. I'll try not to do this next meal.
We drove toward the Arch, hoping to find a rooftop bar somewhere to take in the view of the Mississippi river and the night sky. Couldn't find one closeby (the revolving rooftop restaurant at the Millenium Hotel closed just after dinner, and the only other one i knew of was in another part of town). The concierge at the Millenium Hotel recomended walking 15 minutes to Laclede's Landing for a good time. I was thankful for the chance to walk off the yellow curry and noodles. We ended up at Sundecker's and took a shot with a fellow and his dad who were enjoying a few drinks while their wives and some lady friends were out on the town. I had a Boulevard and we went out on the patio to see if we could get a view of the Arch. We were satisfied with at least a view of the bridge and the Admiral casino boat.
After a quick video blog, we decided to find out what other trouble we could get ourselves into. We figured we'd try the Admiral, but the bartenders both insisted that only the toilet water of Chicago ends up there... that's paraphrasing... so we went to Lumiere. A small but bougie casino, but we decided we'd try our hand at some video poker, just so we could say we did it. The hotel Concierge at the Comfort Inn told us he'd lost about $400 there at 3 card poker, so we promised not to lose more than $20. Good thing, cuz when we were just about to hit that mark, we won about $70! Cash out! Cash out now! Danny was saying. But of course we had to take a photo first. Thank you St. Louis. The Gateway Arch brings us prosperity as we cross the Mississippi.
On the road again, this time we feel more accustomed to the driving. At least they are not long stretches during this part of the trip. From Kansas City to St. Louis is about 5 hours. We only stopped at a gas station for lunch to warm up our pasta leftovers. That was plenty to tide us over.
I found out at the Comfort Inn Kansas City that we could go 2 reservations with a Choice hotel and get another one free. I figured why not, so I reserved another Comfort Inn for St. Louis, this time in the Airport area. Again great service and clean and well managed. We enjoyed the pool and gym (we realized it makes us feel much better especially after long hours in a seated position in the car). Then decided on Thai food and a search for evening events...
Danny was in charge of finding us a place and did a great job. We went to Basil Spice Thai. Good ratings on google. Great ratings from us. I've been noticing that I'm overeating, especially if it's really good food. Plus I don't want to waste, so if there's a little bit left, and it's too little to take home for leftovers, I try to finish. I'll try not to do this next meal.
We drove toward the Arch, hoping to find a rooftop bar somewhere to take in the view of the Mississippi river and the night sky. Couldn't find one closeby (the revolving rooftop restaurant at the Millenium Hotel closed just after dinner, and the only other one i knew of was in another part of town). The concierge at the Millenium Hotel recomended walking 15 minutes to Laclede's Landing for a good time. I was thankful for the chance to walk off the yellow curry and noodles. We ended up at Sundecker's and took a shot with a fellow and his dad who were enjoying a few drinks while their wives and some lady friends were out on the town. I had a Boulevard and we went out on the patio to see if we could get a view of the Arch. We were satisfied with at least a view of the bridge and the Admiral casino boat.
After a quick video blog, we decided to find out what other trouble we could get ourselves into. We figured we'd try the Admiral, but the bartenders both insisted that only the toilet water of Chicago ends up there... that's paraphrasing... so we went to Lumiere. A small but bougie casino, but we decided we'd try our hand at some video poker, just so we could say we did it. The hotel Concierge at the Comfort Inn told us he'd lost about $400 there at 3 card poker, so we promised not to lose more than $20. Good thing, cuz when we were just about to hit that mark, we won about $70! Cash out! Cash out now! Danny was saying. But of course we had to take a photo first. Thank you St. Louis. The Gateway Arch brings us prosperity as we cross the Mississippi.
Day 5: Kansas City
4/20/2010
Today was a shorter drive, and we only stopped at Subway for lunch at a roadside Love's gas station. I couldn't believe it was only $2.69 per gallon! We've been getting great mileage throughout... knock on wood... about 32 mpg. Good job little blue Saturn.
Before leaving OKC, I got online and looked for a good deal on hotels.com but found the ratings outdated, so went onto google maps to locate hotels in the Kansas City downtown area. Ratings on google search tend to be on the harsher side, so to see this place get decent marks was appealing. When I called the Comfort Inn in downtown Kansas City, the person on the line was very personable and helpful. I made a reservation, and for just $15 more than we spent the night before, we got a great King non-smoking room with access to laundry, internet, pool, and gym. And we actually got up for breakfast! Yummy waffles, danishes, hardboiled egg, and FRUIT finally! We'd started developing some vitamin deficiencies, I surmise as my trips to the rest-stop toilets had become more frequent...
That night in Kansas City we got a bit lost finding the Arthur Bryant's for some Kansas City barbecue. Oh. My. Gracious. Rib tips never tasted so good with this smoky yet tangy sauce. Fries and pickles completed the meal. Then we went to find some jazz in the Jazz District no less, but the only thing going on was a Spoken Word Poetry jam in that area. We headed down to the downtown area to see what we could see. Kind of sparse, but we ended up at a bar called Johnny's for $3 beers then the bartender recommended the Phoenix down the street for some music. We landed at a jazz jam!
Kansas City, thanks for a great time.
Today was a shorter drive, and we only stopped at Subway for lunch at a roadside Love's gas station. I couldn't believe it was only $2.69 per gallon! We've been getting great mileage throughout... knock on wood... about 32 mpg. Good job little blue Saturn.
Before leaving OKC, I got online and looked for a good deal on hotels.com but found the ratings outdated, so went onto google maps to locate hotels in the Kansas City downtown area. Ratings on google search tend to be on the harsher side, so to see this place get decent marks was appealing. When I called the Comfort Inn in downtown Kansas City, the person on the line was very personable and helpful. I made a reservation, and for just $15 more than we spent the night before, we got a great King non-smoking room with access to laundry, internet, pool, and gym. And we actually got up for breakfast! Yummy waffles, danishes, hardboiled egg, and FRUIT finally! We'd started developing some vitamin deficiencies, I surmise as my trips to the rest-stop toilets had become more frequent...
That night in Kansas City we got a bit lost finding the Arthur Bryant's for some Kansas City barbecue. Oh. My. Gracious. Rib tips never tasted so good with this smoky yet tangy sauce. Fries and pickles completed the meal. Then we went to find some jazz in the Jazz District no less, but the only thing going on was a Spoken Word Poetry jam in that area. We headed down to the downtown area to see what we could see. Kind of sparse, but we ended up at a bar called Johnny's for $3 beers then the bartender recommended the Phoenix down the street for some music. We landed at a jazz jam!
Kansas City, thanks for a great time.