I’m still here, now almost a week. The same bed. The same shower. Only clocking 1/4 a mile in Pam moving her around the block. Yet, life moves forward.
I apply for two jobs a day, on average. So far, I have one interview set for tomorrow — a copy editing position for a education technology company. It’s not quite media, but I’m actually really excited at the prospect. I’ve written about education at both the K-12 and Higher Ed levels and I’ve always enjoyed the stories about technology trends in the classroom. Plus, I’m a firm believer in the idea that technology must be introduced to schools faster, as it’s one of the best ways to level the playing field and improve student’s overall experience. Anyway, this isn’t the interview, so I’ll move on.
In between my morning cup of coffee from The Rabbit Hole and my job search, I take a stroll around Bedford, looking at apartment ads in the realty offices and on craigslist. A story:
Two days ago, I went to look at the first apartment in what I now understand will be a long series of trips to look at apartments. An ad on craigslist featured a three bedroom loft with full windows, hardwood floors and even electronic locks. The pictures made it look like a spacious and amazing find. The rent was only $1800. And now a lesson about too good to be true. How can you have a three bedroom in Brooklyn for $1800? I’ll tell you.
I made my way up to the apartment to meet Saul, a portly Hasid, who opened it up for me, a dad and his daughter. Well, you can have a three bedroom for $1800 if that three bedroom is, in fact, a one room loft.
“Saul, this isn’t a three bedroom. It’s one room,” the dad pointed out, quite obviously.
Saul shrugged. “They had three people in here.”
So they did. And that was that. (Actually, Saul was kind — if not a bit of a fibber — and he drove me to another location to show me three more places. All nice, but too far from where we want to be.)
I’ve now learned to look for the words “true” or “real” before the bedroom count. I’m in the market for a “true two bedroom.” It seems possible. A number of apartments are opening up on the first and start showing in two weeks. I have my name on a few lists.
I’m rather in love with the area I live in. Mainly because I enjoy walking the neighborhood. Of course, the fact that it isn’t “hip” to live here anymore makes me like it more. Though, the place seems pretty hip to me. When I come home from Manhattan, Brooklyn feels so nice. It’s slower here. People are nicer. The same characters populate the storyline. I’ve seen my pink-shorted foot soaker a few times now. It’s comfortable.
This morning, in preparation for the interview, I got a haircut at a little place called Public. It’s just down the street and I got a trim there when I visited back in November. Brooke, the stylist, does a great job, and she’s from Portland. So we Oregon it up the whole time. Today, we entertained the desk girl with tall tales of Nutrias, which she had never heard of.
I bought a suit at a hole-in-the-wall men’s vintage place on Driggs called Houndstooth the day before and after the cut, I had a few things to pick up to finish off the look. My suit makes me very happy. It’s vintage designer, a Pierre Cardin. It was a great price and it fit like a charm. Also, it’s three piece. I’m never going out without a vest again. I picked up some $15 shoes and a $100 tie to finish it all off. I have a thing for ties, obviously.
Anyway, enough about my clothes. But honestly, who wouldn’t hire that? (Also, sorry to Mike and Sandy who had to put up with my hippy hair and jeans. If JC would have had suits like this, it would have been an easy fix.)
Reflections on life in New York continue. I love the subways, but like everyone else, even if you love what you’re doing, it’s necessary to have a look of disdain and hate on your face, just to get around. Walking everywhere and sweating for most of it has led to dramatic weight loss. It’s going to be easy to feel in shape. Plus, groceries are expensive, which leads to smaller portions. I’m getting enough though, and what I’m getting is fantastic. Fruit is best from stands and that found in the store is pretty over ripe. It might be the heat, though.
Walking at night is my favorite. Tonight, on the way home from a dinner party, I climbed out of the L-train station, Elliott Smith on my iPod, and walked slowly home. The night was cool and people were out. The city, ever playing its part, changing your mood, even sometimes lifting spirits, but always, without failing giving a surprise or two.