Arrival

Made it safely to the new place after a few phone calls to L and MANY helpful folks.

The plane ride went smoothly and was very quick. The landing portion was a bit rough, and by a bit, I mean the roughest. The nine-ish year-old girl sitting next to me likened it to Coney Island...as she was thoroughly enjoying the turbulence. I, on the other hand, had to use every last bit I had to keep down the lightly salted peanuts I ate earlier on the ride. After getting tossed around a bit in the air, we touched down. The 9-ish year-old's mother proclaimed that we were out of harm's way, just in time for us to skid on the runway at about a 30 degree angle. That was new. BUT all of us passengers, including the cat sitting behind me, made it to LaGuardia safely.
Coming into NYC was a sight to behold. You know you're in the city when you swoop in over the Statue of Liberty (which pretty much takes up the entire island it stands on). We flew over Brooklyn (I knew because I've studied NYC on Google maps extensively...so much so that I was able to pick out the park across the street from "home") and then Manhattan came into view. Incredible.


Took the M60 bus to Astoria (note: no dollars or pennies when paying for your ride and transfers don't work on the subways, as the "nice" bus driver informed me after I asked for one) and pondered for a couple minutes about how I was going to haul 2 rather large suitcases up many flight of stairs to the subway (ummmm, I thought subways were underground? Not always, apparently).

I was about half-way through my ascent when someone asked if he could help. I clearly must have considered myself to be in a pretty rough place because I agreed to take him up on his offer. He not only took my heaviest bag, but paid my fare (only a Metro card is accepted on the subways, and obviously I did not have one), and directed me to exactly where I needed to go. I found out he was from Bloomington, so he passed it off as Minnesota Nice and wouldn't accept my return payment. Truly a blessing, so I named him Cam (Christmas Angel Man) :) and silently gave him a "G-bless" before parting ways.

After a stint with Cam on the Q to Times Square, I took the R into Brooklyn and arrived at my 3-month home around 3:30 p.m. After scoping out the gym, unpacking to Zac Brown Band Pandora radio, and meeting some neighbors, L and I made our way to find some burritos. We happened upon a great place a few blocks away. 5th Ave. is the place to be in the neighborhood.

As a reflect on the day, all I can say is that "moving" to NYC is like running a marathon: I can't believe that just happened.

Wonder

As I finish my packing, look over my itinerary (good thing, cuz I thought I was flying into JFK. Not the case.), and ponder what life outside of the Midwest is like I find myself with some wonders. Some more important than others:

-Does the Manolo Blahnik store have student discounts, like the Limited in Roseville? (Better slip the St. Kate's ID in the wallet just in case).
-How do I get from LaGuardia to living space? (Better download at least 5 apps for that).
-How can I wear my black boots and brown boots on the plane? (Because I'll already be wearing two pairs of pants, at least a couple shirts, and maybe two jackets).
-If I'm already going to be spending 30 minutes on the subway to get to FW, why not take about 20 more minutes and walk? (I think I will).
-Is it OK if I pack two dresses instead of my computer?? (Better find a way to make both work).
-It seems as though there are more winter races in Minnesota than in all of the NE states combined. (Minnesotans are tough).
-(Shoot! I better upload my entire music collection to itunes before I leave. I just don't know what kind of music I will need on the ipod that really is only used when flying).
-Where's a good place to watch the Rose Bowl? (Preferably with a plethora of WI fans).
-Is it OK to run with two different running groups? (If I tell both about the other, it's not cheating...right?)

By this time tomorrow I should be frantically searching for my second suitcase at the baggage claim :)

Thanks to everyone who has been so supportive. My co-workers were amazing during my last week and really helped me to keep it together. I love that place. I can't believe it's been over a week since I've been there. I will have to bother them soon to make sure everything is on the up and up and stalk my patients. Well, "my" patients :)

It was so great to see everyone that stopped by Sterb's last week, too. I never expected such a send-off. Thank you!!

See you in NYC!

Closer

http://tofromnyc.blogspot.com/

I couldn't articulate the moving process better than the above blog. I am told that living quarters abound in NYC, and that may be true, but actually getting into them is an entirely different story. Many of you know about my lack of patience. Now I have even less :)

I am hopeful that I found the perfect living situation, however! A sublease for the duration I will be in NY, awesome neighborhood, and wonderful inclusions (such as furnishing, washer and dryer in the unit, and a gym in the building).

The more I think about this stint away from the Midwest (and the faster it approaches), the higher I raise my eyebrow at myself: "Seriously, Meghan. You are SERIOUSLY going to get on a plane and live halfway across the country? WHAT?!" Nearly every person I encounter gets a funny smirk on his or her face and claims, "Meghan, you're going to LOVE it out there! You're going to love it so much that you are going to STAY!" To which my response is this: I have no doubt this is going to be an awesome experience. And that I will enjoy NY. But my people are in MN/WI. Every person in the Midwest is "my people". And while there might be SOME of my people in NY, not every person out there is "my people". I feel.