Life as we know it...

I have been meaning to write up a little blog about day-to-day life in New York. Our summer has been so jam packed with sight seeing, and I am determined to document as much of this experience as I can. Taking a break from the big stuff, however, I'm glad to have a moment to reflect on this incredible trek east and to share some photos of our little nook and my kids (be sure to scroll down to the next entry). 

All in all, I LOVE New York. It's so weird to me that I've only been here for 3 months, when I literally feel like I've been here my whole life. Not that it hasn't come with some major slaps in the face. I would say there's at a minimum, one day a week, that I'm usually pretty emotional and sobbing about something that's frustrating me...a few of those frustrations, hmmmm, rude doormen, Tori's tantrums on the walk to the subway or her always inconvenient bowel movements (good luck finding businesses with public restrooms), crazy people that stand by you and yell profanities, disgruntled employees everywhere EXCEPT Trader Joe's, my son mysteriously dislocating his elbow and attempting to get in to see our doctor (which we did not...couldn't even get directed to the receptionist to see if there were availabilities), perpetually being lost, NEVER seeing my husband, etc. I think once I accepted that a lot of living here requires jumping into the fray and expecting it to be a trial and error process, it's been easy to enjoy and even laugh off some of the weird things that happen. For example, the day we went to Far Rockaway Beach and found ourselves being forced into a "dollar van" that felt very much like those buses in Mexico where everyone is crammed in with their chickens and other caged livestock. Now we know where the safer beach is located, BOOM. 

Our apartment is actually one of my favorite parts of the move here. I'm not a big house person...maybe with a maid I would be, but I am very okay in small places. Truth be told, I was a bit shocked by how small it actually was when I first walked in, but I think with how big and busy everything is in New York, you become very grateful for any space, albeit any small space that is your own and not juiced in other people's body oils. 

This is the amazing view.  This is literally what I see when I'm laying on my bed. It's a dream! I couldn't love it more. 

The kids room/play area. 

View from the other side of the kids room. We really try to utilize in storage space we have!

Our living room/master bedroom! 

Kitchen, bathroom, entryway.

For those planning to visit, yes we can fit you in and I would even say, comfortably (as far as space goes), but there won't be any privacy as we discovered when my Mom and niece visited. I always say, we basically come home to sleep : ) As long as you're cool with pretty much never having a private moment unless you're using the restroom, than our door is open to you!!

We don't have a dishwasher, which has significantly decreased our desire to spend on any sort of dishes. Right now we have like five plastic plates, a set of plastic bowls, a handful of cups we have accumulated from various events or .99 bins, one pot, one pan, one cookie sheet, and I hope to keep it that way. Nothing in the kitchen, bathroom, or various sections of the bedrooms will be making the next move with us, so less is more for me : ) 

So grocery shopping has been...funny. Going entails a bus ride either 30+ blocks north into Harlem, or 8 blocks plus a ride through Central Park to the west with either a cab ride home or home delivery. We have tried all sorts of variations and I personally prefer the bus ride to Harlem where Target, Costco, Old Navy and Marshals are and then take a Costco car home where they drop you right at your door. There's a grocery store just down the street from our apartment...that is if you don't mind paying 5.99 for a gallon of milk. 

This little playground is just across the street. They have two, one indoor playroom and this outdoor one that are only available for use by medical students. 

I really dragged my feet signing up for this playground because it goes against every grain in my body to pay $150 (one time fee) to use a playground, but I have to say, like my $400 stroller, it was so worth the investment. While we have 3 parks close not including Central Park, this is right across the street AND indoors AND slightly above par for cleanliness, which considering the rat problem and approaching winter is a heaven send. They also offer affordable kid classes through the association, which I am totally stoked about.

If I sound cynical, it's all in good fun! I adore New York. I think you either love it or you hate it. I haven't met too many that sit on the fence about it. I personally, feel like my genetic make-up was designed for big city life. I feel so grateful to be here!