"Stormy Weather"
Well, we got back last night from New York. The trip was successful overall, although to tell the truth, it began rather strangely. I was almost afraid the signs were ominous! Driving home from work Thursday was an adventure all its own, with nearly impassable roads and sheets of rain, taking hours to get home. The next morning was clear as can be thankfully, but the tension was thick between "certain individuals" because of nerves I suppose. After a packed flight, we arrived at the hotel at midnight and retired straight away to rest up for a full day of apartment hunting with the broker. This was meant to be a short trip so we really had to get down to business. We have been to NYC about 5-6 times now though, so I did not mind missing out on the leisure too much.
I felt strange on Saturday morning almost instantaneously but chalked it up to anxiety. No sooner had we purchased our metro cards and awaited the subway when I knew something was definitely wrong. I felt so nauseated and dizzy that I had to sit down with my head to my knees and we missed the first train. A really kind lady offered me a water bottle, proving that stereotypes are not always true of course. I was just glad she didn not flee like I was carrying H1N1! Anyway, I sucked it up and we made it to Astoria with plenty of time. I have to say, normally I would think nothing of little shops with goat carcass hanging in the window, but on this particular occasion, I veered my eyes on purpose.
We looked all day, comparing seven different places--it can be difficult with a very modest budget, but we had plenty to choose from and wanted to see a wide range for our own education. In the end we found a nice compromise; a great deal by most standards actually. It was a long and overwhelming day, especially when your head and stomach are a ticking time bomb. Honestly, I felt extremely pressured. I wanted so badly to make the right decision, an adult decision, but I still felt like a child. I do not know if there is a curse that comes with being the youngest child or what! It does not matter how old you are or how prepared and organized, there will always be a wealth of decisions that are out of your control. Until the day I die, there will always be someone telling me what I should and should not do. I was disappointed that I was not allowed to do this entirely on my own (I was more than ready to, just like millions do every day), but sometimes, you just have to accept help when it is offered. That said, I am truly grateful, humbled and blessed. I have always known this, but more so now than if I were a child.
Anyway, I almost made it out of the broker's office that evening but could not without having to confess that I just had to sit back down again. Everyone said I simply needed to eat--we had not eaten since about 7am and it was nearly 6pm--but at that point, my state of mind and physical being were not exactly conducive to discussing who has the best souvlaki in town! I am positive I turned five shades of green. Armed with water and apple juice, I got back to the hotel okay. I had some soup, sprite and a little fruit from the cafe next door. Big. Mistake. Huge. We'll leave it at that.
I rested most of Sunday, determined to see "West Side Story" as planned. I was really trying to move forward and relieve some of the worry. It is so difficult to leave things up to God and fate. I know that is the whole point; life is supposed to be a challenge. Still...
We returned to Queens in the morning to finalize things on my end. It was a much improved experience although I was still nervous. None of this feels real yet. It is far, far different to do it than even the years upon years of planning and scheming. I have to say, the load is a little lighter. There is still so much to do, and quickly, but at least I know one part is checked off the agenda. If only my mind would shut up and quit jumping thither and yon, far into the future then right to this minute! I wanted to move sooner--funny, that was supposed to be long ago if I had my way-- but I promised to be home for Thanksgiving at least, so the official move in date is December 4th. I think it is a conspiracy to have me in charge of the cooking! Kidding.
Well, we got back last night from New York. The trip was successful overall, although to tell the truth, it began rather strangely. I was almost afraid the signs were ominous! Driving home from work Thursday was an adventure all its own, with nearly impassable roads and sheets of rain, taking hours to get home. The next morning was clear as can be thankfully, but the tension was thick between "certain individuals" because of nerves I suppose. After a packed flight, we arrived at the hotel at midnight and retired straight away to rest up for a full day of apartment hunting with the broker. This was meant to be a short trip so we really had to get down to business. We have been to NYC about 5-6 times now though, so I did not mind missing out on the leisure too much.
I felt strange on Saturday morning almost instantaneously but chalked it up to anxiety. No sooner had we purchased our metro cards and awaited the subway when I knew something was definitely wrong. I felt so nauseated and dizzy that I had to sit down with my head to my knees and we missed the first train. A really kind lady offered me a water bottle, proving that stereotypes are not always true of course. I was just glad she didn not flee like I was carrying H1N1! Anyway, I sucked it up and we made it to Astoria with plenty of time. I have to say, normally I would think nothing of little shops with goat carcass hanging in the window, but on this particular occasion, I veered my eyes on purpose.
We looked all day, comparing seven different places--it can be difficult with a very modest budget, but we had plenty to choose from and wanted to see a wide range for our own education. In the end we found a nice compromise; a great deal by most standards actually. It was a long and overwhelming day, especially when your head and stomach are a ticking time bomb. Honestly, I felt extremely pressured. I wanted so badly to make the right decision, an adult decision, but I still felt like a child. I do not know if there is a curse that comes with being the youngest child or what! It does not matter how old you are or how prepared and organized, there will always be a wealth of decisions that are out of your control. Until the day I die, there will always be someone telling me what I should and should not do. I was disappointed that I was not allowed to do this entirely on my own (I was more than ready to, just like millions do every day), but sometimes, you just have to accept help when it is offered. That said, I am truly grateful, humbled and blessed. I have always known this, but more so now than if I were a child.
Anyway, I almost made it out of the broker's office that evening but could not without having to confess that I just had to sit back down again. Everyone said I simply needed to eat--we had not eaten since about 7am and it was nearly 6pm--but at that point, my state of mind and physical being were not exactly conducive to discussing who has the best souvlaki in town! I am positive I turned five shades of green. Armed with water and apple juice, I got back to the hotel okay. I had some soup, sprite and a little fruit from the cafe next door. Big. Mistake. Huge. We'll leave it at that.
I rested most of Sunday, determined to see "West Side Story" as planned. I was really trying to move forward and relieve some of the worry. It is so difficult to leave things up to God and fate. I know that is the whole point; life is supposed to be a challenge. Still...
We returned to Queens in the morning to finalize things on my end. It was a much improved experience although I was still nervous. None of this feels real yet. It is far, far different to do it than even the years upon years of planning and scheming. I have to say, the load is a little lighter. There is still so much to do, and quickly, but at least I know one part is checked off the agenda. If only my mind would shut up and quit jumping thither and yon, far into the future then right to this minute! I wanted to move sooner--funny, that was supposed to be long ago if I had my way-- but I promised to be home for Thanksgiving at least, so the official move in date is December 4th. I think it is a conspiracy to have me in charge of the cooking! Kidding.
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