Tuesday, August 26, 2008

I've got a New York Apartment...!

Sorry it's been so long since I've written--I have been pouring my energy into searching for an apartment, and my computer decided to stop working, so I've had limited Internet access as well. I've finally found an apartment (I have the keys, paid the deposit, etc), which was extremely relieving. I'll be living on 170th street in Washington Heights, a few blocks from Columbia. It's a Dominican neighborhood, so hopefully I'll get to practice my Spanish a bit, and maybe it will benefit me. My roommate will be Maria, a 21 year old from London, so I'm continuing my international trend. She is in school for international relations and works in a resturaunt. She seems like someone I'll be able to get along with, so that's exciting. I also got offers (after putting down my deposit) for 3 other places I really liked, but this I think is actually the best situation for me--furnished, all-inclusive rent, seemingly compatible roommate. I've had pretty positive roommate experiences so far, and I'm keeping my fingers crossed that my luck will continue.

I went to our on-site training with the rest of the VISTAs and met two girls, Erica and Katie, who I like a lot and get along with, so I've hung out with them a fair amount. Plus Erica lives close to me and has a computer with internet. I found out in our training, though, that I won't be starting work until September 15th...we do have training next Tuesday through Thursday that I think is all day, and hopefully will be interesting. But I hurt my knee walking up and down so many stairs in subways last week, so I've tried to give myself a little bit of a break--this weekend I went out with friends, which was fun, and pretty much laid low...going out a little each day but more than anything else just relaxing. It's been nice after such a crazy summer and preparation for moving. I've been watching the DNC, and enjoyed Michelle's speech as well as Hilary's tonight.

I'm going to DC this weekend to visit Ali and my aunt and uncle, Coke & Didi and their family. When I get back, I move into my new apartment and my computer will be fixed, so there's an end in sight to my lack of Internet. I'm looking forward to it. And having a bed. And a room. And I can't wait to start hosting people, so start making plans, people!!

I am loving the city. It's such an incredible place--so many different people in such a small area, with opportunities to interact with so many different people, simply walking out of my door. Because nothing can be that big, there are still and have to be so many little stores to buy groceries, or a sandwich or whatever. And street vendors sell fruit that is actually really delicious. I think I'll love it even more when I have an apartment. The only bad part...being away from people I care about. Though even if I were in Chapel Hill, there would be many people I care about who wouldn't be any closer...so is life, no?

Well I should get some sleep--I think I'm getting sick, which is part of why I've been taking it so easy...and I am moving all of my stuff tomorrow, so that's a big deal, especially since it's a 5th floor walk-up (a warning to all who might visit...).

Love to all--!

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