Law and Art-er

Today I had the privilege of visiting the New York Court House. There are multiple large courthouses in the city. Sad to say I have visited one of the New York Court House buildings before for different reasons but we won’t go into that now. Today I got to visit the big one with the large stairs leading up to it - the one you see on all the movies and shows. I must confess the theme to Law and Order played in my head as I walked up the stairs.

A large hotel ownership group in the city owes the company I work for a significant amount of money. I am very lucky that I work for a company that is financially sound because a lot of small companies would be out of business in this circumstance. The company decided to place a lien on some of the hotels of this ownership group. Since I live in the city, I am often asked to run different errands here. Long story short I had to go get the paper work processed at the courthouse. Then, here comes the best part – I had to go “serve” the paper work to one of the hotel owners. I held back the urge to say “you have been served.” But I did say “I’m here to serve a Lien.” It was a drama free interaction but it was entertaining none the less.

Tonight I attended an artists’ sale in Chelsea. I generally attend art events in Brooklyn. The culture is significantly different than what you find in Chelsea. In Brooklyn picture Chuck Taylors and tight, dark jeans. In Chelsea picture a cocktail dress. One thing that both places have in common – you get funny stares if you break the dress code. I had just attended a casual dinner at my cousin’s house and was wearing tennis shoes, baggy jeans and no makeup. So I was far from either dresscode – but whatever.

The art was beautiful. I had already purchased one piece of art from this sale at Pocket Utopia (my Cousin Austin’s gallery) so my art budget for the time being is spent. But it is amazing the talent you will find in the city. You can often find amazing pieces for a steal. It is always fun to look at both the art and people watch at these events.

Sorry for the radio silence

Ok – so I have been a major slacker with updating the blog. Luckily work has been insanely busy and I have been taking advantage of my new neighborhood. I have much to write about and will be updating it regularly from here on out.

Adjusting to the West Village has been a great experience. I have to confess I went through a bit of culture shock. I went from bums drinking in my doorway to sharing the street with super models. I am spoiled by the luxuries in the neighborhood I am regularly tempted by the world renowned restaurants, bakeries, clothing and shoe shops, bars and chocolate shops - some of these located just outside my door.

I now walk only two blocks to do laundry, the shortest distance I have walked since moving to the city. I can easily access my bank and multiple grocery stores. However, I try to go to some of the more affordable grocery stores outside of the neighborhood such as Whole Foods. I never thought I would consider Whole Paycheck a more affordable store. My commute to work is also much easier. It is just a short subway ride and then an hour on the LIRR (Long Island Railroad). It still takes about an hour and a half to get there.

The apartment is really coming together. I have most of the furniture in place and all that is really left is hanging pictures. I have also been able to set up a decent home office for the 2 or 3 days of the week that I work from home. Oh and I love the 5 flights of stairs. With all of the great food I have outside my door, I need as much exercise as I can get.

Stay tuned for updated pictures of the apartment.

Star Sightings

- Jack McBrayer (Kenneth from 30 Rock) – July 08
- Bono – October 08
- Ethan Hawke – February 09
- Edie Falco – April 09
- Julianne Moore – April 09
- Ralph Fiennes - April 09
- Dean Winters (Dennis Duffy 30 Rock) – April 09
- Scott Adsit (Pete Hornberger 30 Rock) – May 09

I Heart My New Apartment

Well it has been almost a year since I first came to New York in search of an apartment. It has been a wild ride…. from multiple locations in Harlem then to Brooklyn. Now, eleven months later I have my dream apartment in my dream location – the West Village!

I had a great roommate in Bushwick and rent was cheap. I also loved the time I spent with my cousin, Austin, at her gallery Pocket Utopia. But overall I was unhappy there. The neighborhood was dirty; I had to go to the city for most amenities such as the bank and gym. It also didn’t feel safe – I was often on edge. One of the biggest downsides was my commute from hell to Long Island. I had to take 1 subway (to a very bad neighborhood) and take 2 trains to get to my office in Syosset.

View from the back window in Bushwick. I like the "Graffiti Keeps Me Clean".

There are perks to a recession – rents in the city have gone down immensely. I knew I wanted to get in a place while rents were low and there was no telling how long that would last. After the holidays I focused on saving money and mentally preparing for the apartment hunt. For those of you that don’t know, apartment hunting in New York is insane. In addition, you generally have to hire a broker which costs anywhere from 12 -15% of 1 years rent.

The apartment hunt was fast! I emailed my broker and he sent me a long list of available apartments in my desired neighborhoods and price range. 2 days later I was scheduled to check out 5 places. Everyone told me that when I found the apartment I wanted I would know it. As soon as I walked in to the first I fell in love instantly. I looked at a couple other places that did not even compare. It should be noted that I saw Ethan Hawke in Chelsea while looking at one place. I realized quickly I must get that first apartment. I called my broker – he said we have a half hour to get to the office and fill out the paperwork there are 4 other people that want the apartment! So I ran to the ATM – withdrew $500, the required down payment – and hauled ass to the rental office. 4 days later – after providing them with what felt like my life history and multiple financial documents and reference letters, I was signing the lease.

So here are the details you have all been waiting for…. the apartment! It is on Perry St – A gorgeous cobble stone street and about two blocks from the Hudson River. Every spring they plant flowers surrounding the trees; a big contrast from the broken glass that surrounded the trees in Bushwick. I am told that designer Calvin Klein and the Olsen twins live at the end of the block. It is a 5th floor walk-up, great for exercise! It is called a studio but is more like a junior 1 bedroom. It is more than enough room for me (plus visiting out of town guests) and larger than many of the other studios I looked at. My commute is simplified – a quick subway ride and then one train to Long Island.

My good friend’s Matthew and Corrina are moving in together just down the street and the timing couldn’t be better. Corrina needs a place to store a couple of nice pieces of furniture and it works out because I have very little furniture. She is also hooking me up with some key items such as a microwave and silverware. I am very excited to have close friends living nearby.

This truly is how I envisioned my life in New York. I have a fantastic job, awesome friends and now a spectacular apartment. I am very excited for this next chapter of my life in New York.

The pictures below are post move-in, pre organization.

My building is the grey one.

"Dining Room"