Week #1 in NYC

Things have been crazy this first week in NYC. I keep joking that living here this year is going to give me early gray hair and wrinkles! I have been so grateful to live with the Grimms on Roosevelt Island. They have a beautiful apartment that is spacious for me to camp out in the living room without being in the way.

(Walk from the subway on Roosevelt Island)

Nevertheless, I have been trying to find an apartment non-stop. Friday afternoon I went to 99th Street (which is basically Harlem.. and def looked a bit shady) and met a little man named Tito who showed me his crummy, run-down apartment about as big as my fingernail. Ha. Gosh, I was so discouraged... but as I went home I was reminded that God is in control and He works in fabulous ways... all we need to do is trust in Him and He will provide the perfect apartment for me! (thanks mom! :))

Anyway, I have fortunately been able to catch up with some old friends here in the city, which has been great! The first day I arrived, I was able to see Michael Brinker to catch up in Times Square AND Dave Steele, a good friend from college. Dave was visiting his brother and sister-in-law, who were on vacation checking out the city and happened to be staying until Tuesday, the day I arrived. We met up at the World Trade Center and had dinner/coffee at Starbucks.

Last Wednesday I met Michael again at the Hard Rock Cafe in Times Square for an ice cream brownie Sunday which was delicious! :) I really enjoyed walking around Time Square and seeing all the lights... and it only took a 10 min subway ride to get there!

Friday night I decided to go out on the town and visit with some friends, Sevan & Henry, from Columbia whom I met when they were vacationing in the DR last April. We met at a cute little Italian restaurant on Amsterdam and 122nd street near Columbia college. I ordered a wonderful green salad (since I hadn't eaten any veggies that day!) After, we stopped at Henry's apartment which was really nice and got stuck watching some fashion runway show but eventually made our way out for a NYC Hooka Bar... something I've always wanted to do!!! It was such a cultural experience! The people, music and feel of the bar was nothing I've ever seen before... but a very middle eastern feel. I ended up staying there much longer than expected and the guys said it was not a good idea to take the subway home... soooo I had to take a $17 cab ride back to Roosevelt Island instead... What a bummer to have to spend so much money!!! :( But, good incentive to not stay out so late next time (good thought, huh mom?) :)

(with the guys at the hookah bar :) )

Today I woke up at 11 this morning to check out some more apartment leads with Joanne who so graciously accompanied me. Wow that girl is def a New Yorker trugging along in mad heat and with her 8 month pregnant belly!!! We had a fun time riding the subway and talking about baby Nichole moving around in her stomach! :) It was such a blessing to have a friend walk around with me all day and give me advice on apartments!

Tomorrow I plan to check out an apartment on 94th Street between Lexington and 3rd Avenue at 12, then meet Michael at the Journey for church at 1, and then check out another apartment in Greenwhich Village at 2:45, and then meet up with Joy when she comes in to look at more apartments... so needless to say, I have a very busy day in front of me! I'll be excited to write about the Journey... which may be my new church :) so expect to hear from me soon!!!