NYC: Week 1 reflections

Written earlier on UA 19 from JFK to SFO

My feet are swollen, and my footrest is broken. Pardon me for being distracted, but that's the first and primary preoccupation right now.

A little over a week after I moved to New York, I'm on a plane to San Francisco. Notice the lack of the use of the word "back" in the previous sentence. I'm making a conscious effort to not call SF "home" or that I'm going "back" because it's simply not true. I live in New York now. My home is there. It still feels weird saying that, but after a week of filling out forms and repeating my address to salespeople and takeout people, it's hard to not think that way.

I've done a lot this past week. I've unpacked 50 out of 56 boxes, bought and assembled a bed, ordered a sofa and accessories, and had not one or two, but three radiator repair sessions. I guess better to fix it now than when I really need it this winter, right?

Right, that's all good and well, but how do I *feel*? Honestly, I don't feel anything yet. It's not like I went in awaiting this huge epiphany, but I think that's what everyone else expects to happen, given the allure and mystique that surrounds arguably the most exciting city in the world. This first week has just been focused on getting settled: finding new nooks and crannies for the copious amounts of stuff I have gathered over 6 years of post-college living, establishing a routine for me and George, and securing basic services so we can live life more like urbanites and less like homeless nomads. Oh, and then there's that whole work thing, too. Despite how "seamless" they want to make you feel about transfers at work, they didn't have anything set up for me when I arrived, and I ended up having to request everything from a chair to monitor risers (the latter of which I still don't have).

I've also spent a lot of time exploring my neighbourhood, mostly during very long walks with George. I've basically reallocated the 2.5 hours I used to have each day for my commute to taking walks and hanging out with George -- which as far as I can tell, has done a lot for both of us in terms of lowering stress levels and increasing bonding. He's already learned "down" and "stay", two behaviours he was unable to do when we were in SF. Of course, there's also that blog. ;) I've found that George has made it much easier to settle into the city -- people are simply friendlier and more welcoming when they see him, so I may or may not have milked that a bit this past week. I do feel bad that I've brought him to a place where even the highest rated dog run doesn't have grass, but I think the sheer number of dogs in our neighbourhood makes up for this.

Chelsea is an interesting place -- sort of reminds me of a mini SF, filled with lots of yuppie, dog-loving people, lots of gay people, and lots of good food. (Case in my point, 4 of out the 4 neighbours that I've met on my floor are gay men who own dogs.) In my short time in NYC, I've definitely developed a heightened sense of neighbourhood bias, though. There's this strong desire to shop in, and be uber-local -- basically, you stick to your own 'hood. I've only gone uptown twice, and both were terrible furniture shopping experiences. I also dread crossing town, and both times were for equally alluring activities that I couldn't do in my chunk of Manhattan (the greenmarket at Union Square, and eating in the East Village).

So what am I missing?

My friends from SF -- I miss you dearly. Thanks to technology, I feel like I've kept in touch with most of your during my transition this past week, so I'm grateful for that.

My doctors and PTs -- this sounds weird, but you have no idea how hard it is to find good yet available medical services in NYC, especially if you have the aforementioned neighbourhood bias. I've heard that Dr. Lee and his crew at Metropolitan Medical Group are expanding to NYC in September, and let's just say I can't wait!

Yoga -- I've walked so much in this past week (maybe more than in 6 months in SF combined), but I need to get back into my yoga routine, especially to get back on track with my shoulder rehab.

My "people" -- don't laugh. Everyone has their "people", even if you don't want to admit it. They're the go-to shoe guy/manicurist/deli guy/esthetician/masseur/takeout joint/salespeople, etc. that make your life easier. My flats need to be re-soled, my back is sore, and my nails look destroyed. I miss you all. I need to get on top of finding new "people". I've got a promising manicurist, but she's more than one subway stop away. LOL.

All righty, they made me feel better about my broken footrest by giving me a mileage coupon and warm chocolate cookies, but I think that's my cue to pack up and get ready to land. In my old home. It's good to see you, San Francisco.