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 ;)
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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.
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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.
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McDonald's Near Wall St.

She played classical very well. What ever she's paid it's not enough.
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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.
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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).
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Brooklyn Hip Hop Fest.

To that fence will be packed with people once we return later.
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