Snow Storm in Brooklyn - cont.

Here is a shot of my street from my front window as of 9am this morning. Our street remains impassable. All train lines are suspended except the 7 (Manhattan). Most bus lines are also suspended. No worries, I am nice and toasty by the radiator in the living room with a hot cup of Earl. Enjoy the holidays!
Jared

Winter Storm in Brooklyn

The snow began falling the morning after Christmas (Merry Christmas to you and yours) and continues today. Winds are gusting up to 35-40 mph making it more difficult to clean up and travel. This picture was taken of my street last night at around midnight. I will post the same area out front as it is today. Take note of the cars.
Jared

Tower

This is another shot taken from the Coney Island boardwalk. My guess is this is a decorative antenna. It looks like a bungy ride of sorts.
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

Coney Island Boardwalk Pier

I had to get Kei to email me the pic she took with her cell before I could post this. Shortly after our meal at Famous Nathan's we found our way through Luna Park (aka Coney Island Amusement Park) to the huge and lengthy boardwalk. It felt great to be at the Atlantic Ocean again, and better yet the realization I am a short train ride away from it.

I really like it here in Brooklyn.
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

Famous Nathan's

Since 1916 they have been serving up the goodness I just ate! I just need to figure out how to order my hot dog with chili, fresh onion and yellow mustard. I made that exact request but I received cooked onions with a mustard sauce and it was fantastic. I can only imagine my taste buds' response to the way I really want it.

Me and Keisha are now in search of the boardwalk here at Coney Island and Luna Park. I will post another pic after the jump (the next post).
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

Javon's School

Six "short" blocks (short blocks are street to street, long blocks are ave to ave - 3 short = 1 long) away on 8th avenue sits Javon's school. I don't know the history of this building yet, but when I do I will post another picture and share. I really hope he likes it out here. We had a good thing going for him in Rochester and he made lots of good friends over the last few years there.
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

Dinner With Dad

As my Dad and Janis' visit came to a close, we went out to dinner Tuesday night at an authentic Italian restaurant in the neighborhood called Sette.

We chose to sit outside under the awning because the weather was so nice. 80 degrees with a gentile evening breeze after a hot day it seems like the obvious choice to eat al fresco. Right on the corner of 7th ave and I think 3rd St., we had a good view of our fellow Park Slopers walking about.

The food and atmosphere were perfect. I wished I had taken pictures to better record the moments in time. However, it made such an impression that I won't have trouble remembering it.

I learned what desert wine is when they brought us all a little shot-sized glass with the check.
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

NYS Supreme Court

Darn it! I didn't get one of Janis AND Dad. Oh well, they have more so be sure to hit them up if you're interested.
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

Lady Liberty

Dad, Janis and I took the Staten Island ferry (free) from Lower Manhattan to northern Staten Island. The view of Manhattan's skyline and The Statue of Liberty was phenomenal. We took pictures in front of the NYS Supreme Court which I will post after the jump.
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

Oh, the Places You'll Go!

The Old Man and Janis made it out to Park Slope Brooklyn! After 12 grueling hours and shot-nerves later, we led them in for the final mile of their journey to Florida (Janis is stopping off in NC to visit her Son). They got caught on the circle at the North entrance to Prospect Park, where I can imagine everyone takes a wrong turn at least a dozen times before they learn how to do it (Keisha and I hosed it just the other day).

Tentatively planned is breakfast at Little Purity Diner a few blocks away, then a train ride to Manhattan's Times Square for lunch. If everyone is up for it we will do The Top of the Rock (30 Rockefeller Plaza's observation decks). I figure we will head back to Park Slope for an ice-cream and a stroll in the park before dinner. Who knows, we may see folks riding the horses, or take the ride ourselves?

I am happy they are here. More on the visit after the break...
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

Daily Commute

It's been so hot these last few weeks that once I walk out the door I'm sweating. I head down towards 8th Ave. and 9th St. which is my entrance to the F train's 7th Ave. station. It's less than a block away yet we can barely hear the trains in out place (she can't but I hear more than most).

I get to the stairway entrance down and the heat and humidity multiplies. I should now mention that the subway has a smell. It's not a horribly bad smell but it's only tolerable. Relief comes when you enter your "car". They are all air conditioned and the older ones even more so. Us fortunate ones that live along the F train line have shiny new cars with a better ride (updated tracks and better suspension). However, it seems the new trains have the worst conductors. They lack gradual starts and stops, jerking us at every station. Even though there is more room to cram us in like sardines during rush hours, we still manage to bump each other during transit.

I get my best views from the F between 7th and Carrol. I have posted a picture for your viewing pleasure.

My Old Man and my Step Mom are coming to visit this coming Monday so I will be posting more frequently those days. I am excited to share my new surroundings with them. I have not planned a thing, but I have a few suggestions if they're interested ;)
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

Friend's Loft

Williamsburg, Brooklyn was mostly industrial spaces which are quickly transforming in to residential. Some say it's the fastest growing residential area in Brooklyn. Rents are still fairly cheap ($2000-2500 per month) for NYC and it's in close proximity to Manhattan which make it attractive to younger artists and musicians.

You could literally play football or any other sport in this wide-open living space.
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

Keisha's Job

Keisha had a job the moment she set foot on this historic land. Her first day was July 7th and her last day there was July 7th. Described by her, it was in the "hood" of Red Hook and her office was NOT up to date. The bathroom was intolerable. She said it was worse than the bathrooms in our apartment when we first moved in. Needless to say I am glad she didn't return on the 8th.

Her job search continued and she has been on several interviews, keeping busy daily. It is reminiscent of when we moved her from Detroit to Rochester, NY. She is so driven, so ambitious and I must admit these are some of the qualities I most admire in her. She is what helps keep me focused.

One of the two agencies she is a member of has placed her in a very promising situation. Her first day there today went very well and the excitement she exuded has us both hyped up even more so.

We remain hopeful that she can develop this opportunity in to an enjoyable, satisfying career step towards her goal to own her own accounting firm, of which I have no doubt she will one day achieve.

Her office (she actually has her own office!) is on the 6th floor on the opposite side of the street from the New York Times.
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

McDonald's Near Wall St.

She played classical very well. What ever she's paid it's not enough.
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

Comfort Food

It's been a few days since my last post. I have been getting in to some semblance of a routine. I have my trains to and from work memorized and most of my home surroundings familiarized (for the most part).

Lunches have been interesting when I haven't bagged them. I joined my boss Bill Wagner and my close co-worker Tom Luciano (Director of Some Sort) twice, visiting a deli and then a diner and the food I ordered was just okay, which was surprising due to the quality I have been experiencing since moving here. Yearning comfort food, I went out on my own to McDonald's and spent $8 on a #2 (1/4 pounder, large fries and Coke). They had a classical pianist playing on a baby grand (I will post that pic)! I haven't gotten accustomed to the NYC prices yet. Wendy's was $10 for the #6 (spicy chicken sandwich, large fries and Coke).

So far, I'm still lovin' it. It's only been two weeks so check back for an update for my thoughts on that. I remain very optimistic.
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

Brooklyn Hip Hop Festival.

Yes, I love Hip Hop and you can only get the real Hip Hop in Brooklyn (several other boroughs would argue). This is the 5th annual if you can believe that. Hip Hop (or Rap) has been around since the mid 1970's.

We made it here at Noon but found out the live acts wouldn't start until 4. EPMD (early Hip Hop duo) is slated for 7pm.

They have a huge tent set up for kids' activities. The main stage is literally under the Brooklyn Bridge (I will post that pic).
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

Brooklyn Hip Hop Fest.

To that fence will be packed with people once we return later.
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

IKEA dining area view.

We found dressers, PC desks and a bed for Javon that we are planning to get from IKEA.
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

IKEA in Red Hook

At lunch today we went to our favorite grocery store Fairway and had sandwiches out on their patio with the river view. During our meal we decided we'd satisfy our curiosity by visiting the humongous IKEA store/warehouse down the street.

It was amazing. This place has a grocery store, a restaurant and a giant dining area with an enormous wall of windows where you look out and see a view of the river and downtown Brooklyn. Kids under 12 eat free! Their meals are fairly priced, ranging from $5 for chicken strips with fries to $7 for lasagna and a big salad. I was very surprised at the inexpensive furniture. I always assumed IKEA was expensive because of how innovative and modern their stuff looked in their catalogs.

Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

View from the office.

My first day at the new office went well. I got off the first train one stop too early for my transfer, but it was no big deal to wait 2 minutes for another to come along. The heat was oppressive for the walk to and from the end-points. This morning it was already 83 degrees at 7:30am, and just after 5pm it was 101 according to my weather app.

It really is surreal that I am living in New York City. I never really had the desire to even visit here let alone live here. Now that I am here I feel fortunate to have the opportunity and the courage to take it. I have truly been blessed in life and I am thankful for all my past, present and, God willing, future experiences.
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

On the Roof

My phone camera doesn't do this view any justice whatsoever. Although our view of the fireworks over the Hudson river were partially obstructed by the local hospital, the view of the NYC skyline at sunset made it well worthwhile. We could also see Jersey City's and Coney Island's firework shows in the far distance.
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

Domino

Domino has found one of her favorite spots. The other one is on the top of the kitchen cabinets 12 feet up. I swear she was human in a past life. She really handled the drive out here well.

Happy Independence Day! We walked down to CVS on 9th St. Just past 6th Ave. and the heat is oppressive. Thank goodness the humidity is low.

My friend from High school John who lives a block away invited us to view the fireworks show over the Hudson on his roof, so we are excited about that. I "re-met" him on FaceBook many months ago and noticed his updates, which included maps of where he was at, happened to be where I was seeking a new home. Coincidence or fate, it really matters not. I am thankful for his hospitality and experience of the area. He did a data-dump on me yesterday so I now know the best bodega (corner store) to patronize and the trains NOT to take (no A train East).

I will take shots of the roof view and the fireworks and post again tonight, so visit back after the break.
Love from Brooklyn,

Jared.
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

8th Street from Prospect Park West.

This is my street.
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

Bandshell

Here is a better shot of the bandshell.
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

Prospect Park Bandshell.

This is where all the free concerts are held throughout the Summer. The Roots play next Sunday, but I will be here for all remaining concerts regardless of who is playing. This is practically my back yard (one short block away).
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

Happy children having fun.

Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

Mini water park.

Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

Prospect Park

This park is incredible. Words cannot describe the happiness. Enjoy the pics below.
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

The View

This is the view from our grocery store in Red Hook Brooklyn. It's on par with the super Wegman's in Rochester.
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

MetroCard for the trains (aka subway).

Keisha's second interview took place on the corner of our block at 8th St. And 8th Ave. with a gentleman who she spoke with earlier regarding an open position at his company (I can't recall the name or type of business).

As she walked down the street to meet with him in front of Park Slope Pharmacy, I followed behind pretending to be some guy walking. I laid-in-waiting on the opposite side of the street just to be safe. I sat on brownstone stairs to some doctor's office while talking to my Dad on the phone and kept a sly-eye on them. After all, an interview like this is a bit unorthodox, but we are quickly learning this is how a lot of business is conducted here, so why not entertain the possibility?

The interview outlasted the 20 minute conversation with Dad, so I walked down to 7th Ave. where I spotted the F and G train's 7th Ave. subway station steps. This is the stop I will be using for transportation to and from work. At that moment I remembered I needed a MetroCard one month unlimited pass so I walked down and grabbed one from the machine. $89 gets you the freedom to go anywhere in NYC at any time as many times as you want.

When I returned to street level they were still gabbing away. I began to think about how strange this "interview" was, but then I recalled prior to the meet he explained to her he would not be available until after the holiday, he needs to fill the position immediately and from their first phone conversation she impressed him so that he felt she may be a great match. We both remain skeptical and full-time plus over-time does not match with her need to continue school and have time for Javon (her 10 year old Son). He expressed the need for a decision by tomorrow (today). She's probably going to pass.
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

Brooklyn Bridge

First thing today (technically yesterday as of 45 minutes ago) we went to Keisha's first job interview with a company called Graphic Savings at 45 Main St. in Brooklyn. She went in and I parked the Jeep in the underground lot next door.

To pass the time I went to the Starbuck's on the corner and had a tall and a panini for $9...welcome to NYC.

After my breakfast I decided to walk around and see what I could see. Naturally I walked towards the water. To my surprise I found myself at the Brooklyn Bridge Park! I followed the concrete pathway and the first two dirt pathways that shot off to the left further to the river, the second of which had two plaques with historical information. As I read the first one which was explaining the significance of the Brooklyn area's association to the Revolutionary War, a guy with a camera and a HUGE lens walked up beside me and began shooting. Curious at what interested a person such that they felt it required optics with the ability to view the polar caps on Mars, I looked in the direction he was snapping.

This image of what I saw was taken by my phone.

Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

26' truck with an auto transport trailer.

Well we made it to Brooklyn in one piece. I HIGHLY recommend NOT driving a 26' moving truck pulling an auto-transport trailer with your car on it to NYC. What was I thinking?! Eight hours of white-knuckle driving does wonders for a person's nerves.

We had several unexpected set-backs, but nothing could have prepared us for the arrival to a horribly filthy apartment. Keisha (Fiancée) broke down in tears and was not far behind her. Yesterday was a complete nightmare.

This morning we walked down to 7th Ave. which is the main drag with all the shops and restaurants in Park Slope and grabbed a bite to eat at the Little Purity diner. The service and food were great and the atmosphere was equally pleasing. I would get in to a decent description but my brain is fried. If you are really curious I suggest Google.

Then, we walked to our landlord's office to discuss the state of our new home. They reluctantly agreed to send a cleaning person out to properly clean the bathroom and kitchen (hopefully tomorrow).

While walking back to the Jeep we stumbled on a Key Food supermarket on 7th Ave. and found it to be clean and very accommodating, particularly since it's within a few blocks away from the apt.

Our last stop was a drive to The Fairway in Red Hook which turned out to be a very nice supermarket with a PARKING LOT! This will be our primary grocery shopping destination to stock up. The bonus is the view of the Statue of Liberty.

There's more to come, so stay tuned.
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

Mail-to-Blogger

I am testing the Mail-to-Blogger feature with Google Blogger. I want the ability to post from my Blackberry while on the go. The more options I have for posting the better!
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

Move date: June 29th, 2010

Well, it's getting close to move date and we are packing. I am getting too old for this. I think I have only a few more of these left in me.

It was almost 9 years ago that I moved from Ann Arbor to Rochester, NY. I have made great friends here and PAETEC has been good to my career. It is bitter-sweet to leave and begin a new life in New York City.

I will try to post here often and upload pics of the goings-on.

Park Slope Brooklyn or bust!