The Green New Yorker

Photo Shoot 1

2009-05-25T18:12:00.002-04:00

A couple of friends from Brooklyn wanted to use my apartment for a photoshoot so naturally I said yes. For 12 plus hours the loft was transformed into a staging area for three models, two makeup artists, a photographer, a stylist, a director, and assistants.

They decided to shoot down the street at a local park.

I decided to bring my camera along to capture the action.

The pictures will be available in a couple of weeks and will be featured in a fashion magazine here in NY. The first of many shoots I anticipate.

It's Over.

2009-05-14T01:48:00.002-04:00

This is it. The last day. I cleaned my locker out on Monday after the last oral argument I will ever give in law school. After I was done the judge said, "you have a very comprehensive vocabulary... that's a good thing... considering the last President." I didn't have any idea what he meant or if that meant my arguments went well but in hindsight, they did.

I was able to end this whole ordeal on a high note. It's strange being in another city when your family, friends, and classmates you spent two long years with, and shared the third in spirit, are celebrating without you. But I am reminded of what lies ahead for this Green New Yorker- post graduate employment, aka, paying the bills. I am going to start off with construction and work on getting my contractors license. Then working with an array of characters on small business startups. I have my own projects and it seems this whole law school thing just might pay off, in an unexpected way. So let's see what NYC has to offer.

There were two things I wanted to do before I bid farewell to CUNY. The first was play a game of pool. I had walked by the commons area where the table was located and had never taken the time to play. The second, was talk to Ruthann Robson, a professor and founder in law and sexuality and discrimination law. 4 classmates of mine studied her last year at Seattle University and produced a documentary regarding media, law and sexuality. I was hoping to introduce myself and at some point get her the video.

So with 35 minutes until I had to argue, my study partner rehearsing her arguments, finding last-minute cases, and basically freaking out, I went out to explore. Robson wasn't there but I commended myself for trying and figured I would just email and try again some time this summer. Then, commons area empty, I decided to go in and play pool... alone. Luckily, a classmate had the same idea, a mere 30 seconds later, and wanted to play before his arguments as well.

Turns out, he is from Portland and will be pursuing a PHD in literature and education after law school. Serendipity? We chatted and managed to get 3 games in before dashing to arguments but it seemed to just go perfectly from there. Sometimes you have to stop and smell the felt.

This whole ordeal wasn't without its consequences. I have lost roughly 15 pounds since starting 3 years ago, unfortunately of muscle. I look a little worn for the wear and have had to forego other things. And after 2 weeks of finals, I have been suffering malnutrition, sleep deprivation, and every muscle in my back is either cramming or in spasms. But it's over.

And I have learned some wonderful things. First I learned balance. Law school can consume you. But I managed to balance the important things, make time for those great chats, and have some fun. Which also lead me to taking control of your own life. Tons of choices out there and only you can really "make" the tough ones. It's your life and you only live it once. I have also gained a lot of academic insights, particularly relevant to my own edification as well as a focus I think I was lacking before. These are all necessary things for making a run at NYC but I feel prepared, inspired, and hungry... in more ways than one.

Coming up next- The Law School Greatest Hits: a photo montage.

Confessions of a "last year" law student: On the Closing Road

2009-05-11T10:56:00.002-04:00

Please find below my research diary assignment for my New York Practice final assignment re: motion, brief and oral arguments to compel discovery and protective order for confidentiality. AKA the mind of a law student in finals loaded with caffeine and deprived of sleep = delusional and whimsical.

43146

Research Diary

May 11, 2009

NYP Final Exam

May 7, 2009; 2:30 PM

Dear Diary,

I dislike you. But we are stuck with each other and therefore we must work as one and get to know one another. Despite your relevance, I can already tell you are going to be a thorn in my side. You are an inanimate object without a soul but I believe, if you could, you would be asking “why” right now. Well let me count the ways. First, I like to scribble, not type in a coherent, linear fashion. So as I scribble my notes, you will be anxiously awaiting for me to submit entries, jealously no doubt. Second, you will force me to document this horrific experience, causing me immeasurable pain as I attempt to narrate what I have found, or failed to find, when using technologically inept research sources, causing me to ramble on about my criticisms of legal “assisting” documents, while highlighting the nicer features only accepted in the life of a law student, and inevitably the lawyers. Finally, you will instill in me a certain robotic sense of being, similar to your own, in which I will hold empathy for you, resisting the day, in the near future, where you will become a love lost, and a constant reminder of the intimate days we shared together.

As I sit near my window on this stormy New York day, mid-afternoon, I must inform you that I am exhausted. You see I just spent three days conducting research of a different sort on the intricacies of intellectual property resulting in a beautiful and pithy prose on the fine art of legal drafting on such attractively deceptive topics as trademark, copyright, and patent sagas. As such, I will let you in on a little secret. I may not fully understand what I am doing, or what I am about to do.

I begin my research with an old saying from my undergraduate days, “Jason, begin with the forest and then focus on the trees.” Never you mind that conjures up thoughts of a lumberjack destroying the pristine Pacific Northwest, just understand that at first, we must get a broad overview of the subjects we are tackling. That said, I spent some time researching Employment Litigation generally as this is a case involving wrongfully withheld wages. I have become familiar with the elements in each cause of action in the complaint and now understand why this motion to compel discovery is fundamental to our case. Using Westlaw, NY Practice is a useful source of information for broad, but succinct, facets of law.

I then spent some time reviewing the purposes and procedural steps in disclosure actions generally. I made an executive decision to locate the required databases with mixed results. I’ll begin with the brighter side of life. McKinney’s Consolidated Laws Commentaries and Carmody Wait 2d Cyclopedia of New York Practice are easily accessible on Westlaw and even have Table of Contents access, making my time breezing through index numbers and disclosure topics much more bearable. However, the evil Weinstein Korn and Miller, New York Civil Practice have pledged allegience to the devil and can only be accessed through the database that is this lawyers worst nightmare: Lexis Nexus. Its proximity to Lex Luther should not be disregarded. To shed light on my disdain for our archenemy, let me digress by letting you know that while I will be soon cashing in my Westlaw points for trivial trinkets, I have accumulated exactly zero points in three years of law school over Lexis. Having worked for three different lawyers, I have deduced that only the insanely genius, or the economically required users, can manage this archaic database. That said, once finally accessed, this Cyclopedia is extremely helpful and covers more in breadth and substance and also host example forms, helpful to this now delusional student. Having secured a working knowledge of both the forest and the tools accessible to chop it down, I will retire to a much-needed slumber.

May 8, 2009. All Day.

Today I am reminded that I am a mere grasshopper in need of reminders from the esteemed sensei. Thus, “start early,” has not been lost on this researcher and has begun to haunt me like Mr. Poe’s Raven, “Nevermore” has been replaced with “start early.” I spent a considerable amount of time with Mr. Carmody today and have a solid foundation for precisely what is necessary for the scope of disclosure, pertinent to why I am asking for documents in the first place. Mr. Carmody has enlightened me as to the abstract ideas but has not been quite as illuminating telling me the “how.” For that, I returned to Lex Luther’s Cyclopedia. The forms were nice but it was rather irritating to be told that I couldn’t access most of them due to my “status” and something referring to a dollar sign. Fortunately copy and past functions well allowing me to access cases, briefs, and motions in the Kryptonite free world of Westlaw.

Naturally, Westlaw led me back to NY Practice, I pause to recall the days of old - nothing beats the Siegal NY Practice Treaties. Not only is it in tangible form, the man has been blessed with gifts not known to me at the time. Where he was confusing in other chapters, he is clear in Discovery. Westlaw also led me to use keycites of the most cited cases in NY, and the first department, regarding holdings I needed.

I ended the day with numerous flow charts, element visuals, and other self-made aids on good old-fashioned paper using a number 2 pencil.

May 9, 2009. ALL DAY TAKE TWO.

I have not left the apartment, and scarcely my room, in now 4 days. There are strange cryptic messages carved in the walls repeating an onerous theme: “start early… because it is beyond cavil that New York has a long favored open and far-reaching pretrial discovery.” What on earth is beyond cavil? What is short of cavil? What is cavil? Siegel and Mr. Carmody have convinced me that cavil is good for me, namely because I need open discovery as to these secret documents I came across. I have all but finished the first motion and with the help of Google, I have located rules specific to the Supreme Court in NY, as well as some common language used in these “draconian” documents. I have seen “draconian” far too often in the litany of opinions I have read in this dungeon.

I discussed the merits of the claims with a few attorney friends of mine and feel good about the direction I am going. They gave me a few more Westlaw hints (it’s popular!) and I have been diving through the CPLR using McKinney and the commentaries available from Westlaw after throwing the relevant CPLR provisions into the handy citation box located on the upper left of the Westlaw homepage. I have mapped out and outlined, on paper again, the rules, cases, and arguments for the second motion and seem to be trucking along. I ended my “day” around 11:30 (I realized that despite the fact the client would likely not pay, as a first-timer, I have decided to look at this as billable hours, convincing myself a paycheck is at the end of the road).

May 10, 2009. ALL DAY TAKE THREE.

28 years ago today, I was born. Coincidentally it was also Mother’s Day then, convincing me that my mother would receive great joy from the gift of 13 hour labor. Your welcome Mom!

Carmody has been by far the most useful of the three identified sources but I find myself spending more time using the actual CPLR book, Siegel’s treatise, and case citation features on Westlaw. I would have liked to have an example of a motion and brief on this particular issue but as Donald Rumsfeld cleverly said, “In this world there are knowns and unknowns…”, wait wrong quote, “You can’t go to war with the army you want, you have to go with the army you have.” So I found it useful to at least get a sense of the form and outline of the document and despite the fact that both Word and ALL Apple products are exceedingly irritating in editing legal documents, I have managed to get the rough drafts done. Hopefully they are right.

Siegel has some forms in the treatise and Westlaw has some examples as well. I have tried to conform to those, while keeping an eye on those darn CPLR and local court rules, and can only hope for the best. I can see the temptation in wanting to use a form from the book but at the same time, it seems like you would really need to make your own using the best practices of a bunch of them. That said, I have no idea if the way I compiled my ideas into one motion and supporting brief are “correct” but I think it gets the point across. The key example was the “good faith affirmation” required under the rules to which there are no forms, Siegel provides little guidance, and the rule itself if unclear as to what on earth it is supposed to look like. Your guess is my guess I suppose.

At the end of this marathon I recall the purposes of this exercise. As I suspected, I have grown quite fond of you despite your electronic distance. But it’s always good to look back at where you started and see if you have progressed. Looking back, I feel like a lawyer. Even if this whole thing results in a complete failure, I know what it feels like to be lost at sea with only the preserver of legal aids to keep you afloat. So I think I get it. You have an idea. You search to confirm that idea. You look around to see if others agree with you. You put it onto paper complying with intentional confusing legal language. Then, you pray, beg, and plead that the judge before whom you are to argue has sympathy on you and remembers what this was like.

I am not sure I would have done much differently other than perhaps accessing hard copies of things. I would keep that in mind for the future, hard copies help. I think I also would have started researching the “form” of the motions and the supporting papers before diving into the legal issues. That way I could just plug away onto an outline as opposed to taking my document template and then having to adapt it as I go. I also would have tried to understand the intricacies of Lexis if I had more time. The Cyclopedia was great but just hard to use in Lexis. I have a feeling it is more powerful than Lexis allows it to be.

So with that, I bid adieu to the NYP Final Exam Research Diary. It was great. Real great. I’ll call you… diary… I promise (wink implied).

The Romanians Takeover New York City

2009-05-04T19:45:00.006-04:00

Well- we are at it again. My best friend's husband informed me he was coming to NYC last week for the weekend and of course, yours truly, was once again a host. Whether I pass my classes will depend on how much work I can pull out this week but to be sure, it was well worth it.

The first thing I said to him was, "You are staying at the Waldorf?!? I know this is a nerdy request but I MUST see it." I explained that I had wanted to go and scope out the place but was pretty sure they had an anti- come and look but don't purchase policy. So with my chance, I had camera in hand.

The Waldorf- Astoria: Host to the World. Some of the most famous people have stayed here. This WAS Sinatra's hotel and hey, even Presidents stay here.

From the outside it may not look like much anymore but this is old New York. A staple of the city of legend.

Julian and his friends (they are Romanian) all came to NY to visit, some for the first time. In all, there were 12 of them. Julian's old friend from Queens took us out Friday and I had Saturday. Below is me and Julian with our serious pose, for the Queens crowd.

And me and Luana, Andreea's cousin. Luana recently started as a diplomat in Washington DC. So she has diplomatic immunity. She even has a card which no joke states paraphrased, "this official will be treated with due respect... if in danger... will do anything possible to protect..." That's a lot of responsibility for me as the escort. I was also informed that if we were to marry, I too would get a card! Diplomatic immunity sounded great before I realized, within seconds, that I should NEVER be given such a card. My parents can attest that as a child, Jacer Racer would surely abuse such privileges.

The End of an Era

2009-05-04T19:25:00.004-04:00

It's that time again. Finals. But this time it has a whole new feel to it. On May 15th I will officially no longer be a law student. The last paper turned in, the last exam taken, the last oral argument made, and for the last time, I will be briefly reflecting on the journey taken before looking to the future.

I am a spreader. I am also highly independent. Some would say to a fault. So the following information should not be terribly surprising for those that know me well. I turned to a classmate on Thursday night after my last law school class and said, "No one can tell me what to do ever again." I was being funny but after 7 long years of education, learning what the professor wants, and battling against the status quo, it holds more truth than I had at first admitted. In short, it's my turn now. My turn to take that hard work and go with it. As best as I can say how I feel, I am a caged animal who sees the cage is finally being left open.

So you may not find it surprising that at this moment, as seen in the pic above, I know the road ahead is hard and full of uncertainty, but when ISN'T a good time to enjoy a Yoohoo. Strangely, getting on a new diet full of nutrients and minerals (like Yoohoo!) will be one of the hardest changes.

But I digress. I am a spreader. Just like the papers strewn about my workspace, I am already spreading in planning my future. I prefer to call it diversification. I had two academic goals when I decided to come to CUNY here in NY. I wanted to write about my law school experience and suggest ways to make it better for others, focusing on curriculum. It didn't take too long for me to get set up with two professors that want me to write a book and will be assisting me starting May 16th. Why waste time?

The second goal was to have a "product" by the end of law school that I could feel proud of and that gave me more fulfillment than grades and exams. I found that this semester in my health law class. I had read an article about an illegal immigrant who had been privately deported by a Florida Hospital after it decided it could no longer afford him. They are now the example of what not to do and are facing a lawsuit. I decided to write about the issue in my Health Law course and, although it has resulted in more work than I have ever had in law school, it has reaped deep rewards.

The issue is loaded with inequities on all sides and institutional failure as well as compassion and ethical dilemmas. I will be working with my professor this summer to get the paper published in law and health journals but the most exciting news is that I spoke with the attorney while writing the paper and am now planning to go down to Florida to cover the trial and conduct interviews. If I am lucky, I will get access with the NY Times. This would of course be more than a culmination of my law school experience, it would be a dream come true. The case is about Luis Jimenez, seen below. I'll keep you updated. And as surreal as the last couple weeks of law school has been, I can't help but feeling excited to get back to the real world.

Nana to NYC: first timers

2009-04-24T13:27:00.002-04:00

I have had so many wonderful opportunities to revisit that first wonderous day when NYC was nothing but a wide-open world to explore for the very first time. Almost a year later, the Big Apple still brings new adventures and endless opportunities.

My friend Nana from LA had never been to the east coast and we crammed in as many things as we could. Determined not to experience NY the first time like a tourist, she had the right guide.

Limited by this blog's 5 picture limit, I am forced to post only pictures that give a glimpse into where we went.

The first pic below is Nana posing with the truest statement of the trip. Traveling on a student budget is tough but we made it work.

Top on Nana's agenda was to visit Harlem, home of the Apollo Theater, Hip-Hop, and Jazz. I of course jumped at the chance to go somewhere I have yet to visit.

On our way back, she saw the tourist trap that is Times Square. Like most tourists, she was drawn into the myriad of shoe sales from about 60th to 30th streets. Naturally I as busy taking pictures instead of eyeing the latest fashions and the timeless savings.

I took Nana back to my old neighborhood and Prospect Park. She saw the museum, the library, the Plaza, etc. and we hung out in the park awhile. This was a shot I had to snag capturing the last days of Spring, the park calling out residents to come out and play.

We also went up to Central Park, saw the performers, Strawberry Fields, and my favorite little expressionist scene of the lake and park.

We hit up Bryant Park, Grand Central Station, and many other areas including what I now just refer to as the Burg (Williamsburg my neighborhood). Nana was a great guest and I think she got a taste of NYC that will leave her thirsting for more.

That's the rule: come to NY and I'll show you why you never want to leave. One last note. Nana says to me within the first two days here, "Why does everyone say New Yorkers are mean? Everyone has been so nice." I told her to keep the secret to herself and when we visited Times Square, she realized it's the tourists who are rude, not the New Yorkers. We avoid the traps. That's right- I said "we." ;-)

Apartment Evolution Series: Murals

2009-04-24T13:08:00.003-04:00

With the help of Eddie's nephew Dave, we thought it would be a cool idea to leave some of the room's walls open without sheet rock. I had also just read The Last Lecture and was convinced, like the author as a child, I wanted to paint my walls in a creative way. So I decided on murals.

The first is the wall opposite of where I lie my head to sleep every night. I used compound to texture the waterfall before painting it.

The second is above my bed and under the loft. Using the projection screen, I have started on the Starry Night replica, with of course, Christmas lights that give the appearance of starry stars ;-) Hopefully I can finish in the next month or so.

I then have a mural of a window with a planter. The brick is actually a still-life replica of part of the view from my window next to my bed. There is a brick building with similar window styles and I just added the planter for effect. Now I just need better plants...

On the opposite wall is the "Conceptual Map Space" a concept I am trying out for brain-mapping new ideas. Above it will be some yet to be determined murals. I have some ideas for the door similar to what you see on tv with those crazy, obsessed serial killers and what nots. I need to find some yarn. Then next to the door on the wall, unseen in this picture, I want to paint a rudimentary world map.

Below are the basic outlines of the train station. I have since painted the beams red, and as you can see above stained the other beams, primed the inner-walls, and have outlined the train coming into the station.

I would also like to do a couple of murals up in the book nook loft when I have more time this summer. The goal was to have a creative environment that stimulates creativity and hopefully reflects some of my interests. So now when you come and visit, don't say I didn't warn you ;-)

Apartment Evolution Series: My Room

2009-04-24T12:45:00.002-04:00

When designing my room I had a few things in mind: 1) I needed a functional workspace; 2) I needed a bed; 3) I needed a place for guests to sleep and a place where I could enjoy a good novel like my old window seat in Seattle; 4) I needed something creative.

The first installment was the L-desk. I like having lots of room to put things and need a lot of writing space.

I constructed a loft bed which would double as the "book nook" with a bookcase which I have improved since. So far I have slept up there and have 3 guests stay up there. Still standing!

I decided to leave the desk walls open and have begun a mural that will look like a train station.

I then was lucky enough to get a projection screen and Christmas lights from an out-moving neighbor which I have used as a night sky, later to be a humble version of Starry Night by Van Gogh.

In the end, I was able to maximize space and efficiency as well as providing creativity, storage, and some unique features.

Next post: The murals.

I told you, Birthdays

2009-04-23T10:28:00.002-04:00

So I went to another birthday- this time with new friends. This picture is at a rooftop bar in the middle of Manhattan, Empire State Building in background, with the Birthday girl: Nichole, middle.

And of course, always the ham, I was complaining about my lips being chapped from the sudden change in weather- 45 to 80- so we had to pose for a chapstick photo: here's to syphillis.

And Nichole's boss, a little too many years into the bar scene, enjoying a magazine which I decided to go over and enjoy with her.

And what NY man wouldn't be seen carrying his girlfriend's Sephora bag?

Of course, after a long night of dancing, women have to take off the dancing shoes and put on the walkers to travel the MTA (subway).

East to West

2009-04-23T10:20:00.002-04:00

The best part of being on the opposite end of this great country is that Seattle seems to follow me wherever I go. Carolyn Robbs has been here this semester, clerking for a NY Judge. Here we are near her apartment on the upper west side.

She also just happens to live next to the cathedral of St. John the Divine. Although I knew I would look like a tourist, I had to snap the shot.

We also ended the night getting a late night bite at the "Seinfeld" Diner but sadly my camera battery had died. Despite my efforts to convince myself I recognized the inside, after watching an episode the other day, I must concede the inside looks nothing like the show, just the outside. If I make it back that way I will get a pic for the loyal readers. And what review do I give the Seinfeld Diner? 1 thumb up and 1 thumb down. The food was sinfully delicious, meaning, the food was delicious but the sin was the next day when all that grease had to go somewhere.

NYC = BIRTHDAYS

2009-04-23T10:13:00.002-04:00

I was told when I got here that I would celebrate more birthdays than ever before. It is true. New Yorkers LOVE their birthdays. A few weeks ago, I went to a classmates birthday on the upper east side. Here I am with the birthday girl, Nykki, below:

And with my classmates from CUNY. These kids are all second years... oh are they jealous!

Finally, I spent some quality time with Charlie, Nykki's boyfriend, on the couches at the bar we were at. Let's just say that when you reach a certain age, after a long, hard week, you just want to sit, enjoy a cocktail, and watch the circus in front of you.

And what NY birthday party would be complete without meeting up with your roommate who just happens to be at a different birthday only 2 blocks away! It's a big city but it's still a small world.

Apartment Evolution Series: Katie's Room

2009-03-25T22:56:00.002-04:00

This was Katie's room when she first moved in. I was able to get a temporary bed up for her and she got a lovely air mattress from K-Marche.

It didn't take too long for her to get a suitable bed and I "carpentered" her a little raised frame with storage. It is now level with her window and as you can see- lots of storage for her necessaries.

Then of course came priming, the door frame, and a shelf and desk.

Finally we were able to get her room painted this weekend. She chose the color. So- her room is pretty much done. I have to engineer a pulley system clothing rack which I am still trying to learn, online, how to do. I will attempt that this weekend. Wish me luck.

She also has her door. Looking at the picture- I just remembered we have to get her window in as well. We are going to paint the glass so that the light reflects into the living room.

It's coming together!

Apartment Evolution Series: Kitchen

2009-03-18T01:00:00.003-04:00

Hopefully you aren't bored with the apartment updates. I am going to show the process over the last month and a half room by room. I am starting with the kitchen. As you see on day one, we had a make shift table and that was it.

Not too much time went by when we were able to put together a bar using scrap wood left down on the street. Now this brings me full circle to the green aspect of coming from Seattle. Recycling is obviously a big deal in Seattle but so is the street treasure hunt. Living in Ballard for a time, I was able to find all sorts of old desks, chairs, etc., that needed a little work but turned out to be great finds. Brooklyn is becoming very similar to the Ballard and Fremont finds. It doesn't look like much here but keep reading.

We added some stability over time and started using it on a daily basis.

I convinced Raef and Katie to let me tile the top and Eddie brought over the goods. Katie and I are coming up with a plan for painting something on the time, possibly a city skyline.

Here is Eddie and I getting the tiles down, well mostly. We forgot about needing a tile cutter.

Raef was able to get some stools which just happen to be the perfect height and width for the already made bar. I added some shelving where we will store recyclables (theme comes full circle) on one side and storage on the other. We will make a couple other adjustments but this has been an invaluable piece of the kitchen.

Chelsea Hotel and Neighbor

2009-03-18T00:46:00.002-04:00

When I got my moving van I walked by the Chelsea Hotel, something I had been meaning to set aside for a trip. Many of the most famous artists flocked to this hotel to paint, write, sing, etc. after it opened in the 50's. It gave me a little jump in my step to think of the creativity that flowed out of this building.

Imagine my surprise when Eddie called me up one day asking if I could help him on a job directly next door to the same inspiring hotel. Eddie has been working on this building for over 10 years now. And as winter takes its toll, it's not a pretty job, but the building gets a little makeover.

Unfortunately the foundation isn't exactly flat. There is a pretty decent slant the roof that is collecting water in a pool. Eddie and I discusses some ways we might remedy this in the summer and chatted about some of the people he has seen coming out of the hotel over the years.

We did a rough patch job and decided we needed to have a Guyanese roof party this summer.

So the building houses a modeling agency and I got this photo on the way out. Make your own judgments.

Williamsburg Sunset and The former Rocket Factory

2009-03-18T00:31:00.002-04:00

A couple of weeks ago, we experienced a perfect evening for a sunset from the roof. Although some questioned whether there were sunsets on the east coast, here is living proof of the event. All three of us rushed up to see a remarkable view.

This is our apartment lobby. I found out recently the building used to be a rocket factory at one point. It's a concrete building that has been renovated for open lofts. Our neighbors are a very eclectic crew. We have a group of Russian models on the other end of the hall that basically speak NO English. My immediate neighbor is a cinematographer who met his now wife two stops down on the J Train in Brooklyn at a filming a few years back. They have a little girl who is simply hilarious.

One day I walked up to my door and started to unlock it when I felt the sensation someone was watching me. I turned around and saw the little girl hiding behind the concrete cylinder a few feet away. Instantly, the many horror film scenes involving evil little girls flashed through my mind but I quickly realized this is not the movies. So she motions to me, shhhhh. Following my compliance, she asked me, "where is he?" Assuming she meant her father, I informed her he was getting the mail and would be up shortly. I asked her if she was going to scare him and gave her a few pointers. Nodding, she then smiled and brushed me away. She is all sass and has wandered into our apartment to investigate on work days.

Finally, there is apparently a graffiti artist in our apartment. I really want to graf my bedroom door when it is up so I am hoping to track the artist down. I plan to try and get a little garden up there and we are most certainly looking forward to spring time bbq's. All in all, no complaints against the apartment.

W does Photos

2009-03-17T15:01:00.003-04:00

Here are a few photos W snapped of me while here. Quite the photo eye I say. Aye!

This is in front of the enormous Monet at the Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art (MOMA).

Also at MOMA- in front of Frida.

OOF also at MOMA.

Really crazy mural on the upper east side right before dinner.

W got this shot at Simple Cafe near our house the morning he was leaving. It's a really cool accident where the bottle of water was reflecting the Apple logo. Maybe Steve Jobs should think about a winery?

W drags us across the Brooklyn Bridge

2009-03-17T14:41:00.003-04:00

So this is something I have wanted to do for some time, walk the Brooklyn Bridge. It is on the top of every tourist must do list so of course, I hadn't done it. But Wenarto promised his mom he would snap a shot of the Statue of Liberty and I had read you could see it from the bridge. So bright and early Friday morning, we gathered the troops and went across to lower Manhattan.

Me, Elly (Raef's friend from Seattle), W and Katie posing from about the mid-way point in front of the lower Manhattan skyline.

And the promised pic of Lady Liberty from the bridge.

Here is W preparing for his Youtube from the bridge. MOST of the people passing by were nice. But there were a few out-of-towners who didn't know what to make of it.

Finally- striking a pose at the end of the bridge. It takes about 30 minutes to walk and about 45 if you add a youtube and photoshoot session.

I have to say- although I don't consider myself a tourist anymore, it was a ton of fun. I definitely recommend it for anyone who lives here and hasn't done it or for first timers. I think it would be better to start from the Manhattan side and then plan a few hours in the up and coming neighborhood across the bridge, DUMBO. Lots of little cafes', shops, etc.

Oye oye!

Wenarto: redux

2009-03-17T14:26:00.003-04:00

So one blog post just wasn't enough. Can you blame me? Check out these immortal W pictures. Brooklyn bridge to follow and then W photography featuring yours truly.

W at a church near 5th and Park Ave.

This is lunch at the Plaza Hotel (where W got a free bottle of wine and Proseca!) Look Carefully and find Waldo a.k.a. Geraldo Rivera (between me and Katie).

The Plaza is just insane.

I wasn't lying. We really did see the Jonas Brothers. Funny thing is, this is the SECOND time I have accidentally run into the teen icons. New York hearts the JB.

And W HAD to check out the opera collection at one of the largest Virgin records stores in the country. This is near Union Square.

Biggest Snow Storm of the Season

2009-03-17T12:45:00.003-04:00

THE BIGGEST SNOWSTORM OF THE SEASON!!!!!!

Finally- I asked and I received. So much snow I actually got a snow day!

My building is on the left and this is a shot of the street about an hour after they SALTED it. That's right Seattle- salt.

This is from my roof which was about a layer of ice and about 12 inches of snow.

And of course the view of downtown Manhattan where it was still snowing. The snow stuck around for a few days and was a nice little scene of NY Winter.

Moving on up...

2009-03-17T04:23:00.004-04:00

Taking an empty space, framing the walls, and setting up the rooms is hard work. But- it's a lot of fun and wide-open for creativity: Brooklyn living.

Setting up Raef's raised bed using the existing bed frame. He is putting a closet and storage underneath.

Katie has a modified raised bed- not as high as Raef's. We will get some shelves in there as well.

And here is stage 2 in Katie's room:

And stage two for Raef:

W in the City That Never Sleeps- sleeping ;)

2009-03-16T01:59:00.004-04:00

This is poor Wenarto on the cab ride back from his first day of New York City. Let me preface this blog post by saying ONE post does not do justice to the amount of things we did in the short 3 days W was here. I have never met anyone, including children, who have as much energy as this guy. But I think these pictures summarize the highlights.

Here is Wenarto with the KING of Opera critics (his blog is at parterre.com where W is a frequent visitor) and the Queen of Opera Divas (Dorothy Bishop). Wenarto "met" these two through youtube. No joke. They came across his 500 plus tubes and were delighted to find his passion for opera for the common man. They refer to him as the "bad boy of internet opera" a nickname he didn't let me forget the entire weekend.

And here is Wenarto at Sacks getting a facial to "rejuvinate" his skin. She said he was magically 10 years younger. W told her he was 30 of course.

And W in front of his inspiration Monet at MOMA's Free Fridays.

Finally- W fulfilled his mission of making an insane number of Youtubes, including this one with a subway performer where he inpromtu put together a Edith PIAF piece. http:www.youtube.com/wenarto. Go to page 3 to see this and all of W's NY youtubes including the ones with yours truly.

Wenarto got us up bright and early and we made a youtube, walked the Brooklyn Bridge, saw the Jonas Brothers, had lunch at the Plaza across from Geraldo and his latest wife, went shopping on 5th Avenue, went to MOMA, went to the Metropolitan Opera and Museum of Art, explored Williamsburg, had dinner on the upper East Side and my favorite Italian restaurant in the Village, bought out the little wine shop, brought me Seattle coffee, and if I forgot something, I apologize.

To sum it all up, Wenarto left his Iphone in a cab one night so I gave him mine. Every person we met in NY said to forget the phone because it was long gone. 3 days after he returned to Seattle, a lovely young woman from NY had found his phone, got his address, and the phone was on its way. W is now convinced that although he told everyone he was from a small fishing village in the northwest, New Yorkers are the nicest in America! Thank You New York for taking such good care of Seattle's Best.

Three's Company, Two's American

2009-03-16T01:04:00.004-04:00

Moving into a new apartment means NEW ROOMIES. (RIP Yael). Let me begin by giving homage to Marni, the last of the good New York rommates. Marni is busy writing the next blockbuster and we WILL have her to the new pad, hopefully for a short film shoot from our roof and for, cross your fingers, the release of the short she and I did for Spike Lee's Director class- come on Marni- get the editing done!

Now back to the newbies. First, featured below, we have a duo shot of the new ideal roomies sharing in Katie's first PBR moment (hey it won first prize).

Katie is fresh from the down under call her Aussie, don't dare call her a Kiwi (they are from New Zealand- consult Carmen San Diego). Katie is studying drama at The American Academy of Dramatic Arts. She is an absolute darling, a little messy, and what better way of introducing her then by sharing the email she sent to us begging us to let her be the 3rd in our apartment to be?

"Hey Guys, I'm a 19 yr old girl who has just moved here from Australia to start studying at drama school. (but I'm not really intense or anything I promise). I had a place set up, but I think its fallen through, so I'm a bit stuck. But never mind that, the place looks amazing! I'd be happy to help you on weekends with setting up the place more if you'd like. I'd love to check the place out and meet you both, so if you'd like give me a call on xxx-867-5309 (creative editing on author's part for confidentiality purposes). Cheers! Katie"

Now for the sake of disclosure Raef and I had an executive meeting and were hesitant to allow a 19 year old into the fold but we decided to give her a chance. When she rang from the subway and I recalled what it was like to wander the streets of Florence not knowing the street names I went out in search for her near the apartment. After playing phone marco polo, I saw a "fatty" standing on the street corner and remembered Raef's number one rule: no fatties. Ok so actually that was my politically incorrect joke of a rule but believe me, it crossed my mind. Luckily that was just a hooker. And after she let me wander around Brooklyn trying to find my apartment and heeding my number one rule: don't let me lead because I find things by brail, I was sold. Raef was later sold on her "spunk." But it was a close call. We went through over 10 applicants and Raef was leaning towards Nana mainly because he wanted to work in a Nana jingle on a daily basis and ride her scooter but we caved in and took the girl who comes from the land down under because collectively, we had never met an Aussie we didn't like. We did of course make her sign a document we like to call "An International Cooperation Agreement and otherwise Rules Aussies must Live by to become American." It's on the fridge- no joke.

So here's Katie at the Metropolitan Opera gift shop, posing patiently for Wenarto.

And here we are in her Youtube debut with Wenarto (post to come) with yours truly as Marlon Brano cameraman/ director extraordinaire on our rooftop.

Then there's Raef. Ah Raef. His actual name is Matthew Harrison but in an effort to bring his German heritage back from the dead, he legally changed his name to something a little more Nazi. Ok- so his middle name is Raef but just go with me on this one. I can tell his "day in the sun" is right around the corner just like Kaiser Willhelm (please consult Encyclopedia Britannica).

Here is Raef posing in his room (just after a genius engineered it) and also on Katie's new mattress. Well actually he is posing vertically and I just learned how to be an editing wizard with I-photo ;-)

Raef is from Seattle. He graduated from the University of Washington just like me so I know he is good peeps. His parents just started a little winery out in Yakima (FREE VINO!!!), where he was raised, and he is studying publishing at NYU graduate school. He and I decided one night at the neighborhood bar that we are going to start an online magazine, the Gentleman, his senior project next year. No Mom, it's not porn...although?

So the loft is quickly becoming the bohemian, creative outlet I so desperately needed since leaving the Casa Pauradiso and Wenarto's wonder emporium in Seattle. It's a good mix and despite the fact that Katie is a vegetarian, she is actually a good cook. I have promised to Katie's mum and Raef's parents that I will take good care of them and I think we take good care of each other.

Stay tuned for the launch of Three's Company, Two's American adventures, surely a weekly update of our crazy antics in the spirit of the late John Ritter (aka Jack Tripper):

Jack: Is something burning?

Chrissy: Oh I left my underwear in the oven!

Janet: Too bad hotpants aren't in style.

Shotout to Seattle Peeps

2009-03-11T09:13:00.002-04:00

A friend from law school is externing here in NYC for a judge for the spring. I met up with her recently and was already impressed with how many fellow Seattle peeps that have gotten a chance to visit.

Law school friends Jessica and Celia were here a few weeks ago for business and school. Of course Jonathan and Matt were here this summer (See post Panama Comes to NY). And Sarah and Mason made it out this summer for a day trip.

Soon to come- I will highlight the trip another Seattleite- Wenarto.

I also have many other friends from Seattle coming (visiting me as a secondary reason) which highlights the joy and stress of living in NYC. While everyone wants to visit, everyone wants to visit. It's great but man is it hard to get into a routine.

I am getting much better at it though. It's not so bad to be able to always have fun every time someone comes into your neighborhood. In other news, while out with Seattle Jonathan this last weekend, we met a waitress from Seattle. After chatting it up with her for awhile, we discovered we lived app. 3 blocks from each other. She then informed me there is an ex-pat Seattle bar not 5 blocks from my place. Raef and I have already planned to go visit some time next week and mingle with the Seattles only crowd. Stay tuned.

The Joy of Building

2009-03-06T16:29:00.002-05:00

Part of the excitement of our new apartment was the phrase from Saul, "You can do whatever you want." Me being who I am said, "wait... WHATEVER we want?" I then started pointed and asking if this and that was ok. Saul, always the patient agent, simply replied "yes" to every lunatic request I could think of just to make sure he was telling me the truth.

So- I called Eddie up and quickly began doing whatever I wanted. Raef, my roommate, and I decided we would run three rooms across the windows so that everyone would have window access. We ended up taking out the heating unit in the middle room (our soon to be 3rd tenant) and the rooms came out to a rough 7' x 12'.

Eddie brought his nephew with him and we quickly through up the framing.

Little time went by at all before we started getting the sheet rock up. And just to show how confident I was in our skills, I made sure our work could hold my weight. Very nice! Naturally, the crew needs payment. So even though they drive a hard-bargain, I talked them down to endless cups of coffee.

One last bit about the joy of building. Some have framing skills. Some master sheet rock. Others were born administrators. Raef is seen in the picture below guiding us as to the proper way to not only work, but rock out.

Uh oh- 1/5 Semester break in LA and Vegas

2009-03-01T15:04:00.003-05:00

I got the opportunity to meet up with my friend in LA and get to Las Vegas for another buddy's birthday.

The picture below is at a little restaurant on the boulevard at Venice Beach.

We also stopped by and got some Henna tattoos that last about 10 minutes. That was good and bad.

I ended up in Vegas a few days later, driving from LA to Vegas was a great experience!

Here is my buddy getting a cake at one of the clubs in Vegas- star power goes a long way ;-)

I had a really great time getting out to a part of the wild west I hadn't been to in a long time and reflecting on how my opinions are formed now living in NYC.

After talking to a lot of people, those successful, those trying to be, and the overwhelming majority who pretend they already are, I noticed some serious differences. I heard a celebrity commentator say recently, "Everyone in LA looks like they are a porn star, and no one in NY does." He was generally commenting on the blonde hair, blue eyed plastic dolls but it really reaches a bigger point. In LA and in Vegas, there is the fun-first, work later attitude that is the antithesis of NY.

It works for some people, but I found a lot of people back West that were just plain sick of the lack of professionalism and drive. I felt a lot of people get away with showing off with nothing to show for it, while out here, people are generally unimpressed with what you look like as much as what have you done lately. It's superficial in another form but it keeps you on your toes. You definitely have to work in NY. Mainly because hey we are surrounded by models from all over the world, so blond and blue just aren't in high demand. More importantly, it's not 70 degrees year round here so you have to find something else to do 9 months of the year.

All good people but many of those on their way up have big dreams of heading out East. I am excited for them to do so. There really is so much opportunity and an environment that rewards hard work. As cliche as it is, at the end of the day, it really is true. There are so many people I meet here who aren't just burning the candle at both ends for someone else, they are pursuing their dream career. It was a good reminder of why I am here and really encourages me to keep it going. I also look forward to getting back to the west and that sweet sweet sun.

Searching for a new Apartment and a little man named Saul

2009-03-01T14:39:00.003-05:00

I was fortunate to run into a young man beginning his graduate studies at NYU who lived just a couple of blocks from the previously mentioned MGM Grand. We had met before but whilst at a dinner hosted by Wenarto during my break back in Seattle, we determined that both of us wanted to move out of our then troubling housing nightmares and decided to make a concerted effort to find a place.

Well- he found a gem, an unfinished loft in trendy, artsy Williamsburg full of possibilities. The leasing agent, Saul, was very kind and worked with us with the deposit, agreed to let us renovate however we want and discounted our rent. We got the apartment a couple of weeks later and began the task of moving.

Here we are with our things moved into the empty space, designing what would be our 3 br apartment.

The next weekend we had lumber delivered to begin construction, with of course, Eddie's help.

After moving in all of our stuff into the wee hours of the morning and spending two long days bringing 2X4's, tools, sheetrock, and plywood up 5 flights of stairs, this picture of Raef says it all.

One other note: Everyone complains about driving in NY. Luckily my training dealing with idiots in Seattle when it rains had prepared me for almost anything. So the few times I had driven, I had no idea what everyone was complaining about. Then I got a rental truck and it all became too clear.

After spending 30 minutes and 10 bucks (a dollar a mile) just to get from the rental center to a freeway entrance, I realized I had to pull a U-turn to get on the ramp. There was a turn around but there was also a sign saying, "No trucks." I had a moving van. Did I qualify as a truck? Luckily, there was a police officer directing traffic in the turn around. Within 20 seconds of rolling down my window and sticking my head out of it, the police officer cut me off mid-question and yelled, "Just F'n go!!!!" Thank you NYPD.

Then as I was merging with traffic to get on the freeway and in to the tunnel en route to Brooklyn, I was flagged around my two more of NY's finest in blue. They directed me to pull over and while demanding my id, papers, and rental agreement (and inspecting the back of my empty van) they asked if I had not seen the sign for trucks to stop at that truck stop.... Now I qualify as a truck? Now mind you, the trucks now sandwiching me in were 18 wheelers, dwarfing me in a sea of traffic.

So after they verbally reprimanded me for not stopping, they sent me on my way. In the tunnel, I had a new horror. The lane was about 2 inches wider than the van. The speed limit: 30 mph. So imagine my terrified panic when a cab appeared in my mirror racing at least 70 behind me. He then began flashing his lights and honking non-stop while I tried to focus on keeping the van in the lane in the tunnel and holding in my rage.

After finally getting to the toll booth to cross over into Brooklyn (yeah, thanks a lot Iphone ;-() I was pushed by the surrounding cars into the EZ Pass lane unable to get into the cash only lane due to the courteous nature of NY drivers (although I suspect they all took driver's ed in New Jersey). I waved down another boy in blue and was greeted with a "what in the hell do you think you are doing?" I explained I couldn't get into another lane and can I just give him the $5 to get through the booth. "First it is $15." While waiting for the "second" I stared at the $5 toll sign in front of me. I realized it was $5 for the toll and $10 for him to let me through.

He took the money and reminded me I didn't have an EZ Pass. Thanks buddy.

3 panic attacks later of getting through Brooklyn, being cut off 100 times, and remembering that I was yelled at by 4 police officers, I finally arrived at my old apartment, and understood why driving in NY simply... sucks.

Renting from the Devil and the Landlord-Tenant Law v. Realities on the Ground

2009-03-01T13:33:00.005-05:00

Oh, 372 Saint John's Place, a.k.a the MGM Grand. Where the water runs like milk and honey, somebody always knows your name, and aunt Mae is ready to take all your troubles away with a homemade pie.

Hold up. Let's try and remember how we got from this... to this (see below).

Oh, that's right. As so much of the lovely posts on Craigslist, we must always remember, "Buyer Beware." As was the fun of finding out two months into staying at the Grand, the apartment was less than suitable. As my good roomie, Marni, once said, you come off the subway, see the park, the library, the museum, the plaza, the tree-lined Brownstone streets, and people walking their dogs and kids (we'll get to the kiddie leash in another post someday) and then you are smacked with the reality: you don't live on this street!

So when the bathroom starting falling apart, my bedroom (smaller than a jail cell) was being torn up, the heat in my room went out, the water was highly contaminated with lead, and to top it all of, we were robbed, I decided that I would no longer be able to stand it. That's when I got the really good news.

A friend from downstairs was telling me he had to move because his roommate, whom he was subletting from, was charging him $1000 and his other roommate a $1000 when the entire apartment was only $2000, hence getting rent-free. Funny thing was, his apartment was the EXACT same layout as mine, and our roommate had been their for 3 years without a rent increase. Do the math.

So I won't go on and on about how horrible she was while I was there but to find out that we were subsidizing her shopping sprees, etc., I found little tolerance for anything else. So I had to get out. She threatened a variety of things including sending me to small claims court for not paying her for more utilities when I had already paid her for two months before I even moved in, her accounting mistake, as well as saying I breached the lease for only giving her 28 days notice as opposed to 30. Anyway, after looking through the laws of NY, I found a number of issues with her legal claims, as well as a handful of counter claims I could bring should the situation arise. Luckily, it has not.

The moral of the story is apparently this is extremely common in NY, taking advantage of sub-letting and basically it is just too hard to find good protection for renters in this city. Landlords do very little in upkeep, on-site managers rarely get any repair work done, and roommates range from bizarre to demonic. I got lucky in Marni but I guess all things must even out. For this green New Yorker, lesson learned.

A Winter Washington Holiday

2009-03-01T13:13:00.003-05:00

After waiting for the inevitable blizzard of a New York Winter, I left the Big Apple still waiting. New Yorkers assured me that upon my return from the temperate rainforest in the Pacific Northwest, I would be greeted with the winter wonderland the east coast was accustomed.

Imagine my surprise then, when I was delayed in Washington D.C. for two days because mother nature had gotten her coasts mixed up. For the first time in my long history, I was unable to fly to Seattle because of Seattle weather. I snapped this shot from my window seat coming in to land at Sea-Tac airport.

Getting out of the concrete city and into the country of Seattle suburbs, I got this picture one early morning at my parents house.

And of course, the holidays mean food! As a starving student, and a hack artist, food is something I had been missing. So it should be no surprise that my facial expression conveys nothing but joy for the feast I am about to consume with the family.

New Year's reminded me a lot of Brooklyn. We went to our favorite little bar in Fremont, Red Door, one that I frequented a great deal while an undergraduate at the University of Washington. Among the contributions I have donated to this facility list: checking id's while watching the door one night while the bouncer was using the facilities (unasked of course), climbing through the window to use aforementioned facilities while 20 people ahead of me in line watched in amazement and irritation, convincing a girl to go on a date with me through said window on a different occasion while she was trying to enjoy a quiet evening, and helping serve hotdogs one night with a neighbor of the bar while promising everyone free admission if they bought 3 hot dogs. Which brings me to the gentleman on the left, the lovely owner of Red Door, who has put up with my antics with great patience. Will Brooklyn's Zabloski's be as accepting?

Finally I got a chance to spend some time at a kiddie park with my other family, the Pure Fun Hansens, before I was to return to the City that Never Sleeps. See their blog on my favorite links.

All in all, Seattle was a fun-filled and relaxing time, if not a little cold and wet, but hey, I got the White Christmas I would have missed otherwise.

Return to Me

2009-02-12T17:22:00.002-05:00

Okay okay okay. Yes, I understand I am approximately 2.5 months behind in the blog. Let me explain with a list of blogs that will make up for my absence, which will also give you a hint as to just how busy I have been.

1. Brief overview of time back in Seattle and how that has impacted my view on NY;

2. Renting from the devil and the joys of NY landlord-tenant law v. "realities on the ground";

3. Searching for a new apartment and a little man named Saul;

4. Uh oh, brief trip to LA and Vegas- impact on view of NY- you betcha!;

5. Why getting an apartment in NY is actually pretty darn difficult...like they all say;

6. Securing our apartment on the day Obama is sworn in... is the hype about the god-man true?

7. Seattlelites are flocking to NY;

8. Meet the new roomies;

9. The joy of building;

10. The W burg

11. School? What school?

12. WENARTO COMES TO NYC

So- for my loyal readers... Mom- I'll be back and running in no time.

Last Days In New York... this year

2008-12-18T18:51:00.002-05:00

New York Coffee. The very first thing I will do in Seattle is go to a proper coffee shop. Who knows? Perhaps someday a Seattle type shop will be here so that New York can be properly caffeinated.

I wandered around Brooklyn today looking for a place for a haircut. I came across an offer I couldn't refuse. $12. There are a myriad of barber shops so I'll have to sample a few. On a scale of 1-5, I'll give this place a 3.5.

I also got one last days worth of work in for the year. We finished off Sharon's kitchen with a new coat of paint. She chose the colors. We have a darker blue for under the cabinets and a lighter for the rest.

Sharon is to the left. She has been quite the helper through the whole process. The final addition will be a granite slab in the window sill and trim around.

And I got once last day with Kharma. I have been assured that come spring, Kharma and I will be spending a lot of time at the park.

So I am off to Seattle this weekend to try and remember how to be green.

Winter in Waiting

2008-12-16T15:54:00.003-05:00

Ok. So I have been promised a harsh winter and snow by pretty much everyone here. But after seeing the pictures of the winter wonderland in Seattle this weekend, I have to admit, I am deeply disappointed.

This is the closest to winter we have gotten here. It was cold as I have ever felt last Saturday, with windchill down to 15 degrees. And there was a little bit of snow this morning, which quickly vanished.

However, it was fun to see my buddies from Jordan, who operate a market on my block, marvel and take pictures of the snow as it fell as there is a lack of such flurry in the harsh deserts of the middle east.

So after some winter teasing, and with my trip back to Seattle in just a few days, winter in NY will have to be one in waiting. Perhaps January will be more fitting. I do hesitate briefly, remembering the old saying, be careful what you wish for.

Touring NY

2008-12-16T15:43:00.003-05:00

On Saturday, I accompanied Eddie, to scope out prospects for both CBS and Leonard General Construction, on what was supposed to be a real estate tour. However, upon arrival to the real estate office in Queens, our agent apologetically informed us she had gotten the date wrong.

So to make up for her error, she took us to a little Korean restaurant down the street for coffee and pastries. After discussing our real estate prospects we moved on to other subjects.

Here is our agent ordering our goodies. This restaurant is located in Queens on Main Street and 70th.

Below is the picture of our vehicle for Friday and Saturday. It is the Quest which was fitting considering our tasks for the two days. We needed to go up to Manhattan to get a couple of things appraised at the auction house, then back down to Brooklyn to finish a client's kitchen, and then up to Queens to meet with Eddie's cousin Mike who owns a number of real estate properties and a bar. I was Eddie's driver for the two days, an easy way to make money despite the complexities of NY traffic. We were also treated to a game of pool at Mike's bar in north Brooklyn.

I was sitting at the bar with a complimentary beer when Eddie came over and handed me the pool stick, telling me I had to play, and whispering that he had played the guy for money years ago and that he had never paid. He didn't want him to recall the incident. I tried to let the guy win but he was just that bad.

Meet Leonard General Construction's new mascot, Kharma. Eddie got this kitchen job via Kharma. Kharma lives down the street from me and is learning how not to chew up everything in his path, maturing from a puppy.

First Saturdays at the Brooklyn Museum

2008-12-09T02:29:00.003-05:00

I was told that the Brooklyn Museum hosts free admission on the first Saturday of each month where they serve wine, include music and a dance floor, as well as opening up the galleries to all who show up. Now I expected the company to include some of our finest senior citizens and perhaps a pleasant waltz in the dance hall but was surprised to find the entire museum packed with locals and city dwellers alike ranging in age from toddlers to our esteemed citizens of advanced years.

The picture above is the dance floor, complete with DJ's, in a simply amazing section of the museum that crossed between a European disco and what must have been the parties of old. There must have been hundreds of people on the floor and when I commented on the diversity of the attendees, he responded, "looks like Brooklyn," with a smile.

This is the outside of the museum as I approached. I could tell from here there were going to be a great deal of people as a line was forming outside the foyer. And for my first celebrity sighting, in attendance was Wyatt Cenac of the Daily Show. I went with my roommate Marnie, along with some of her friends from NY and from NYU film school.

In a similar vein, I was in a short film, written by Marnie, for her final project for her director's class. As soon as I have the video I will post the link. Even in the midst of finals, there is no shortage of entertainment.

Working Towards Understanding the New

2008-12-09T02:09:00.003-05:00

One of the unexpected benefits of moving to New York, and the need for employment, has been the friendship and unofficial training in construction here. I have seen nearly every apartment in my building, as it is sadly falling apart, as well as sites in Queens, Manhattan and other places in Brooklyn.

Below is a picture of a new learned skill, namely grouting. The tiles, having been previously placed, needed to be grouted and Eddie took the opportunity to allow me to learn.

We also had to repair a ceiling, having been previously "repaired" twice by the super in an apartment in my building. Below is the nearly finished product being sealed by Eddie.

The picture below is the debris left from the super in his "attempts" to replace not one but three ceilings.

And here is a picture of me about to head back down for clean up after the ceiling demolition.

This was the state of the ceiling before we fixed the previous mistakes in craftsmanship.

Eddie has given me a great opportunity to learn a ton about construction I had not previously had, although many previous opportunities helped pave the way for the basic understanding of that which I am learning now. It has also given me the chance to meet those who came to NY for the opportunities to work as well as meeting those who are struggling to keep their jobs through this present financial downturn that has hit NY especially hard. I have told Eddie a great deal about the now mythical Seattle and he is eager to get on a train and asks me every time we meet when he might be able to go. His impression of me has given him the belief that Seattle is full of hard-working, polite people. I guess he is mostly right and can only humbly accept the compliment. It is naturally only the product of a good upbringing and the sense of community the NW has to offer, despite its negative qualities.

Signs of Christmas

2008-12-09T01:55:00.002-05:00

It begins with a little sign. Christmas trees mark the sidewalks, decorations appear on fences and street crossings, and flurries of snow fall from the skies. My first snow in NY comes in the first instances of Christmas. I was asked to visit the Rockefeller Center and I will attempt to do so Wednesday following my final.

With Christmas comes the bone chilling cold of the East Coast. As a West Coaster, this is something I am not even remotely accustomed to. Let me share a few observations then. Like the heat in CA, it helps to keep moving. But nothing, and I mean nothing, can prepare you for the hurt that accompanies the wind. You may be slightly less than comfortable walking down the street or waiting for a bus, but when the wind comes up, you want to scream for relief.

I was given a skull cap and that has been a welcome and much needed addition to keep my ears and head warm. In time I am certain gloves will be necessary and I am most certainly considering growing a full beard. But for the most part, the freezy chill is avoided by hot drinks, subway rides, and generally staying indoors.

A final interesting observation is meeting all of the transplants also not accustomed to the weather and those that say it just isn't as bad as Chicago and so on. So they tell me, it only gets worse. Brace yourself, they tell me, for sub freezing temperatures and a wind that only continues to shred your outer senses. Bring it on I suppose.

Fun Places in NY

2008-12-09T01:46:00.002-05:00

One of the best things about living in NY is how the ordinary is transformed into something just a little bit special. The first picture is from a movie theater near Columbus Circle, and the South end of Central Park, where under NY custom, ordinary transcends into the unordinary.

The other three pictures are taken on my way back from the Chinatown express, taken to DC, in the belly of Chinatown. I can't help but be reminded of Blade Runner every time I pass through. Enjoy the pics and a little creative editing.

Leonard General Construction

2008-11-14T22:19:00.001-05:00

Let me introduce you to Eddie and Monte, or as Nic the Greek called him on Saturday, Maawnteeee. Eddie is who is paying the bills. We got to talking while he was working on my apartment, about life, philosophy, religion, politics, etc., and not too long after, I was working for him. He has construction jobs all over the city and his story is fascinating.

Eddie is West Indian, from Guyana, which borders Brazil and Venezuela. He came to Toronto over 20 years ago and then came to NY. He has had a variety of jobs working where he can. He started working for a construction company in the Hamptons and due to having grown up working, he rose up the ladder very fast. He then decided to go on his own. His cousins, of whom Monte is one, came sometime before him and had been working as well.

Eddie had always been the social ring leader, so after getting bored working other jobs, he decided to start working with his family. All of them are expert craftsman. Their story is a bit of a sad one. Monte and Charlie, Monte's brother, both have college degrees from Guyana, which was formerly a British Colony. In the 60's, the Soviet Union intended to use much of South America (now Cuba, Venezuela, and Bolivia are all communist) as a staging ground for a potential war with the United States. The Prime Minister of Guyana was a West Indian who married a Jewish American woman who had ties with former communist USSR and the rumors were she was still a communist.

A worried JFK and CIA seeking to contain communism, supported the independence of Guyana from the British by covertly aiding (a popular method until the 80's) African immigrants which resulted in Independence and a power shift. Segregation of West Indians followed and graduates found it impossible to get work and poverty quickly ensued. Most Indian and Chinese immigrants fled to Canada and the U.S. under refugee status. Monte and Charlie both have degrees in engineering and all of them received formal British educations and they all speak multiple languages. The work crew is not only well-educated, their experience and cohesiveness adds a great deal of harmony and professionalism to an oft unprofessional field.

They were nice enough to have me come work with them and I am learning so much. And not just about construction. These guys have seen everything. Monte used to cut timber in the Amazon, hunts and fishes in Brazil and the Atlantic, and still has family in Guyana. Eddie has been attacked by a snake, and younger than the rest, saw Guyana post-independence and its downward spiral. Each of them are just trying to make enough money so they can retire in Guyana and just hunt and fish.

The picture below is of Eddie and Monte trying to figure out how on earth they were going to remedy the mistake made by the union plumber who set the toilet 4 inches too far from the wall leaving the door now 3 1/2 inches into the seat. The frame around the door takes Monte about 5 minutes to measure, cut and install. He does all the math in his head.

Eddie had me time him while painting the halls and said he could do it in less than 15 minutes. It took him 16 because he had to locate the paint after "Joe the Plumber," as Monte refers to him, moved the paint outside for some odd reason. I was amazed at the speed but was more amazed to not be able to find a single mistake.

This is typical Monte. He is a cutting machine. Occasionally, he calls out, "Mr. Leggett...Help, Help...." When I get there to hold the board for him he usually has a story to tell. He loves to talk about politics including NY and he absolutely hates Sarah Palin. He is married and has 3 grown children. He gives Eddie a hard-time most of the day.

This was the outside of the studio apartment we remodeled in Queens. The owner is named Nic the Greek, at least to Eddie and Monte. He loves these guys and gets them a discount at the Chinese Restaurant at the end of the building (which he owns) and he works along side them, though he is most often just in the way.

Eddie pays me to help out painting, touching up, making cuts, installing, etc., but he also pays me to talk business with him. As an immigrant a lot of the paperwork and red tape keeps him from expanding. That's where I have been able to help out. He has a lot of contacts and people that want to invest in properties and share the sale profits if he fixes them up. We put together some business cards, I am helping him put together a website, as well as moving him from the black notepad to a computer. I go with him to new jobs and meet the clients and he introduces me differently each time. Today we looked at an apartment on my block for a shoe designer who needs her kitchen floors replaced. He said I was his "sidekick like the kid in Indiana Jones" today. Other introductions have included: my attorney, my business advisor, my swami, my cousin, Jawsawn of the Argonauts, Mr. Fonda, Brother Tom (from Godfather), and the observer.

Autumn in New York

2008-11-13T21:58:00.000-05:00

Our apartment is finally complete. Here is a shot of the bathroom taken from the shower. We have a new cabinet, sink and vanity as well as new tiling on the floor and wall. We also have new, much brighter lighting.

This is of our new shower with new tiling, tub, and shower head, etc. We also have replaced all the lead pipes with copper pipes... a process I was completely enamored with.

This is taken from the kitchen. We have new paint, chosen by Yael, on the wall on the right, and a fresh coat of white. We have had to rearrange the furniture because the wall had to come about 4 feet in to the living room to make room for the new tub. We also have new flooring and the space above the doors have been filled (by me;-)

So the good news is that we got upgraded to the nicest bathroom in the apartment building. The better news is that I got a job working with the guys who began as the construction crew on my apartment. The best news is I am having a great time doing it and learning a ton!

I leave you with a picture that captures my first Autumn in New York. It is fitting that it is also my first real Autumn. Seattle has its sights in the fall but summer seems to extend a great while and winter looks more like Spring. I thought it was picture worthy to have a woman walking down the street in Orange as the leaves were in their final color change and falling from the trees.

Community Building Strategies

2008-11-12T21:36:00.000-05:00

Community Building Strategies. That's the name of the non-profit I am starting. Let's start with the following preface: the picture below features a lot that has been purchased and construction is about to begin. This is in the heart of Brooklyn which is composed of a diverse population, skills, and cultures.

Imagine you are now sitting in a room with people from your community, all representing this diversity. The following question is asked: What do you want your community to look like? You have two options.

The first is modeled after your community where each person or group of people is encouraged to start a business that brings wealth and maintains diversity to the community. Looking at the picture below you can see which one doesn't fit with the others. (As a side note, like many chains, the possibility of individual ownership could be molded in to the question but for the sake of simplicity, let's continue the hypo).

The second option is the corporate mall model. These two store fronts are currently within .25 miles of each other. Considering the open space, which would you prefer?

We would then go into the details of each choice. Consider for example that Circuit City, pictured above, will be sending its profits to its headquarters, not in Brooklyn, and will be employing community members at minimum wage. On the other hand, small businesses are hard to manage and maintain.

That is where we come in. CBS does not believe that corporate identities are good for the community. They don't reflect the diversity spoken of before and they don't allow community members to make livable wages. At the end of the cycle are people being forced out as property values skyrocket (until the bubble bursts and Circuit City takes off for a new money making opportunity) and communities start from scratch.

CBS will help assist those who want to build their community using a model focused on business growth, artistic development, and health awareness. As I walked through Brooklyn, I think I know which most residents prefer. It's time to get back to some good old fashioned values and build our economy from the community up. More details to come as the plan develops.

A New Partner and Seattle Reminders

2008-11-11T21:21:00.000-05:00

I have wanted to work on a project that looks at how law school is taught and what would make it better. The central point is kind of two fold: most people have a negative view of lawyers and lawyers have been slacking in their duties to apply democratic norms. My three examples are: 1) The lawyers involved with the Enron scandal; 2) The two lawyers who wrote to the Bush administration that torture is essentially ok; and 3) The lawyers involved with the recent financial crisis.

Were these individuals bad people or were they just serving their client's interest? My argument is that even if they were bad people before they came to law school, their education didn't limit their evil scheming and even produces some more bad eggs. We are basically never taught what our role is in a constitutional structure and yet are given vast responsibility. So part of the reason I came to NY was to see what this whole CUNY thing was about and how the first public interest law school does business.

I have been greatly satisfied with my class choices and overall opportunities to work with like minded people. I am well on my way to developing a non-profit and have learned a great deal about public interest lawyering. So imagine my surprise when I met with one of my favorite teachers here, who is helping me start the non-profit, who was a founding member of the school when he told me CUNY is nowhere near what it was supposed to be.

We talked at great length about the vision of the school then and how it has succumbed to outside pressure and lost its way. He asked if I wanted to work with such a cynic and I, at the edge of my seat, almost shouted, "YES, YES!" The school he had described was exactly what I, and most of my friends from Seattle, had dreamt of. I said that even though it may not have worked out in practice, the idea is more powerful and attracts students who want to make things better. He has agreed to work with me and we will start writing in the spring.

I have had many experiences thus far that have made me believe this is the perfect place for me at this time. This was another. Then as I was leaving his office, I saw three painting strewn about the second floor, all from the Seattle Art Museum. Even all this way, I have Seattle reminding me of where I came from, and seemingly urging me to push forward.

At the very least, Seattle is well-represented at CUNY law.

Catching up: lots of projects

2008-11-10T21:06:00.000-05:00

I apologize again for falling behind on the blog. After several complaints, I am back up. It has been a busy couple of weeks. I will begin to catch up from the beginning. The picture below is one piece of a window grill I am painting for Eddie (my employer) which is going to be installed this week for a lady up in the Bronx. Finally, my graffiti skills are put to work.

Eddie has a lot of jobs going so I told him I would paint the pieces for the grill. I spent a few nights getting the pieces done and Ali will be soldering them together tomorrow.

I was also able to move back in to my room. As much as I will miss the comfort of the wide open living room floor, I think I will readjust just fine. I took the opportunity to build some desks for workspace utilizing the tools and spare wood downstairs.

The picture below shows the table to the left for my monitor and various other items (apparently a wine bottle) and there is a desk behind the chair. I was going to have to buy a chair but as luck would have it, there was one for free right across the street. They thought it was broken but with a little tinkering it is back in working condition. When I told Monte (whom will be in a picture in another post), he shook his head and said, "everyone in this country... just waste and waste." One man's junk is another man's treasure.

We also fixed my bed and I may be able to install a cabinet from the remodel downstairs if I have the time. It has been nice to get back in to the routine and now have space to work. You can see from the photo that I built a little mail slot, a keyboard holder and now I am set!

Hope

2008-11-04T22:33:00.003-05:00

I had my first election at the polls experience. Now this isn't entirely truthful because I do remember the 1992 election, accompanying my parents, but naturally I was not allowed to vote.

So I got up at 5:30 AM, with my roommate Marnie, down to the Brooklyn Museum and got in line. We waited for a little over an hour. It was a little disorganized but I pointed out to her that an hour wait makes us far better off than other democracies. I walked into the booth and cast my vote on a pretty old-school polling machine.

After we left, there was something in the air. Believe it or not, it was hope. Later in the day I walked to the print shop to help my new quasi-client/ employer Eddie make some business cards. We encountered so many people along the way who were grinning, saying hello, and again there was something in the air, hope.

I saw people getting pictures of Obama framed, everyone talking about the election, people arguing that even if you weren't voting for Obama to get out and vote because this is democracy and the times are too hard. It was something remarkably refreshing. I walked to the grocery store later in the day and again it was all smiles, polite gestures, and an overwhelming feeling of something better coming, hope.

Finally, I was sitting on the couch today with my other roommate Yael, a foreign national, unable to vote. She had expressed little interest in politics but today she was curious. She said to me, "is it true that Obama's grandmother died today?" I said yes and that he had gotten some negative commentary for visiting her a week ago, flying to Hawaii instead of campaigning. She said, I saw him talk today and I really like him. He has the kind of character I think would be good in a President. I hope he is doing ok with the loss.

It was amazing. Someone not the slightest bit interested in politics senses something in the air. Despite the criticism and even the audacity of it all- hope is real and if you doubt it, go look at the people who have had it the roughest the last 8 years. We all have had our fair share of pain. But fear not, hope is around the corner. We have the opportunity now let's get to work.

A Work in Progress... but hey isn't everything?

2008-10-23T22:24:00.004-04:00

You might be asking yourself, "where have I seen this before?" The odd thing is, you haven't. While my faithful readers might think they recall this being a picture repeat, in fact it is our new bathroom extension. "Bathroom extension?" You might ask. "But I thought there was progress being made." Well, that was last week and as you all know, this is this week. After attempting to replace the tub, our crew determined this was simply impossible. So we are now extending the bathroom 6 inches into the living room. That pushes us back a construction workers "week" meaning 2-3 weeks in real person time.

So you can imagine my slight surprise, and then rational acceptance, of the scene of walking in to see framing and amazingly enough, "re-plumbing." Oh well.

The construction HAS been a pain. I can't lie. I am sleeping in the living room, get woken up every morning by either one of my roomies getting ready or the cat pretending it is an African safari and I am helpless prey. My privacy is gone which also means my study nook is gone too. Not that being interrupted with mind numbingly boring "dilemmas" isn't fun, but really people, I have stuff to do. Speaking of which, I just finished my midterms for law school.

Which brings me to my "CUNY weekend update." I often get asked how I like it, what's different, and so on and so forth. Let me try and answer these inquiries in a concise and lawyerly manner. First let me say it is fantastic. The environment is perfect FOR ME. Not for everyone. And certainly there are downsides which I will get in to at some point, some day. But for now, let's focus simply on the differences. Well, midterms, that's different. I got very used to simply attempting to soak things up for 12 weeks and then panicking when I had 1 comprehensive final for 5 subjects with 3 days to study and just "get it." So it was kind of odd to have a midterm where I could actually relax, focus, and feel like I really mastered the topics up to that point.

My other classes are similar. CUNY doesn't believe in a one time assessment of your learning. I tend to agree with the philosophy for a number of reasons. But for now, I will let you know I have weekly "problem sets" in my Tax class where we actually are expected to apply that week's reading to actual problems and then get graded for our work. It is eerily similar to the real world and frankly has no place in a law school. I kid because that is actually true at Seattle University. In my International Law class, my teacher is one of the founders of CUNY, and we get to choose whether we want an in-class final, a take home final, or a paper. I chose the take home because I have never had one. Take that rational basis scientists. We also have weekly reading reviews. I love this part because we actually have to reflect on the reading and contribute something NEW to the discussion. It's nice to be treated like an adult. My Business Associations has fairly consistent quizzes on the major topics and my UCC class had the midterm and problem sets much like Tax. All in all, I am learning a heck of lot more.

There is room for improvement but I'll save that for when I write the paper next semester. Which brings me to the overall environment. Just today I told a friend of mine, I felt like NY was just the right thing to do when I was in Seattle. Now I know. I just couldn't have done this there. I was dissatisfied with the way law school was taught and here we are, a new way of teaching. I didn't want to work for a big firm or really do traditional legal work, and here we are, a place that encourages you to start a non-profit. Not only that but I am surrounded by people with a public interest mindset and am collaborating with two other students, each of whom plan to start their own orgs. It's just a very positive, community focused environment.

That's CUNY. As for NY, I like it. It inspires me for one and makes me work harder. A little personal update. I am working on a screenplay with a friend which is hopefully going to be done sometime in January or February. We are 1/3 of the way done writing and the outline is basically done. Also, starting tomorrow, I will be working on an interesting project with a old friend, and long-time author which involves writing a novel together but without any more communication than reading what the last wrote and moving the story forward. We agreed on a genre and a premise. From here on out, no communication. After we have made some progress I will get you the link, should you be curious or if you want to do me a favor and read ;-) Finally, I am working with several people towards developing the non-profit. The goal is to have the plan finished this year and to be filing the paperwork in the spring.

So NY has done me well. Next up on the agenda: 1) possible employment with Eddie the Indian guru and craftsman; 2) A trip to a cafe on the other side of Brooklyn per the request of a friend and faithful reader; 3) A review of the new grocery store on the corner; 4) TBD

Thanks for reading up to this point and I hope I can provide some more entertainment soon.

A little bit of Panama

2008-10-18T20:57:00.001-04:00

My friend, Jonathon Silvera, came to NYC on "business" for Microsoft. I met him and his mate Matt, an Aussie who also works for Microsoft at a little pub in the east village. After a couple of beers, many of them free, I informed my guests that this was a NY trick. Basically due to the high supply of bars in the area, bartenders seduce you into staying the entire night in their joint by offering you free beers up front anticipating you will buy more than you planned later. But I am on to them and quickly escorted my friends out.

We next went to a Russian bar on Houston Street (It is pronounced How-s-ton here in NY) and met up with Matt's Aussie Mates who are currently living in Harlem but soon to be living near me in Brooklyn. In the picture above we are having a mock arm wrestling contest. We do this because this is what is done in their country. Very niiiiice.

Outside the Russian bar (let me digress by informing my readers that this bar has some 80 plus kinds of Vodka. Now I actually despise vodka so I thought it would be a short stay but then my mate Matt bought me a vodka on the rocks and gosh darn it, it tasted like chocolate. 4 later, I was feeling rather nice) we met this fine gentleman from the Dominican Republic. Jonathon, feeling his latin roots come to the surface, tried his luck with his supposed connection to baseball. After failing the who is the famous baseball player quiz, I interjected with "Roberto Clemente" and "are you from Santo Domingo as well?" which got me mega points. When Silvera asked who our new friend Rafael would take on his baseball team, he looked at Jonathon, then looked at me and said, "I'd go with my brethren but something tells me the white boy has a cannon." Indeed I told him, good choice. Thanks for the baseball lessons padre, it finally paid off- a free vodka and a bouncer who had our backs.

If you can't laugh...

2008-10-14T22:51:00.002-04:00

Today I got to go to the Daily Show with Jon Stewart near Radio City Hall near Midtown, Manhattan. It was a great experience. The tickets were free, and due to a lucky break, I was able to get a ticket online (reservation) because they had originally planned not to do any shows this week.

So I got there at 2:45 and was number 23 in line. at 5:15, we were escorted, through a metal detector, into the waiting area and then finally into the set. As 23, I should have been seated in likely the second or third row, but since I was solo, there was an open seat in the first row. This seat just happened to be eye level with Jon, again front row, and directly in front of him. When they say "as the crow flies," that was me, about 25 feet away.

The show was great, former Press Secretary Ari Fleischer was the guest and in between the boos (for him) and the laughs (for Jon) there was the usual journalistic satire. It was definitely worth the wait and pretty much anything is worth missing class.

When I got home, I checked out the construction zone at home and found, to my dismay, the project had expanded. They took out the radiator in the living room, are sanding, still have not finished my room, and have only replaced the plumbing (in the midst of) in the bathroom. I think we are looking at a serious delay...

Seasoning at Prospect Park

2008-10-11T17:03:00.006-04:00

I decided to take a study break at Prospect Park today. I hadn't been to the south end of the park and wanted to sketch something around the lake. I took the nature trail down to the Boat Center. These stairs take you from the main area (long field) down into the water.

When I got down to the lower field, I got this picture of horseback riders just in case you didn't believe me from earlier posts. Where do they keep these horses I wonder?

Then I finally found the perfect spot to sit down and sketch with my oil pastel crayons. At one point I was approached by a photographer and she asked if she could take pictures of me "working." I said yes and tried to continue without seeming like I could feel her presence. 10 minutes later she disappeared. I sketched the changing tree leaves, lake, and bridge.

Then I made my way back to the meadow and watched the local activities while reading and getting a little writing done. I heard a "dai, dai," behind me and remembering this is "go, go" in Italian, I saw a family playing soccer (futbol, calcio) with their kids. The keeper, moving across the picture, was actually pretty outstanding, saving 8 goals in just the time I was watching.

Finally, I got to watch a group of kids participating in the old parachute game, this one of the stars and stripes. Sarah Palin, eat your heart out. Even in the liberal elite corners of NYC, patriotism rings.

I had forgotten how amazing this park is and being 10 minutes from my house, I must get here more often. There is just so much happening. Soccer, football, catch, music, fishing, etc. all around you. Definitely the best study break in a long time.

For the video, please go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7je_EiEQ-xE

Transplant Plant

2008-10-10T19:58:00.003-04:00

This plant was beginning to overtake us. Eddie referred to it as "that tree" and the cat has become ever suspicious, taking swipes at it every chance she could. So we agreed it was time that one plant be transformed into three.

Luckily, in my teen years, I became well practiced in this procedure. I took the runaway forest to the roof and began the operation. The picture above is the work "station" and you can see the two remaining plants from the separation.

Here are two of the successful patients now in separate manageable pots and naturally tied to "guide" their future growth. The other is upstairs awaiting for me to think of something creative (likely found) to put it in. For now it is in a bucket on the roof. If you look closely you can see a pile of dirt on the rug. After being warned not to touch anything, Yael in fact touched the plant because she "didn't think it looked pretty tied up." Any guesses as to what happened next? Right you are! It came tumbling down.

So everyone learned a valuable lesson. Yael learned not to touch. Which really isn't true because moments later she was back in washing the plant leaves, touching again. And I learned that there is no point warning Yael. It really is great when you learn something.

On the agenda: tomorrow I plan to spend my study break strolling down and seeing the lake at Prospect Park before the weather starts turning. Next Wednesday I am lucky enough to have gotten a ticket to The Daily Show with John Stewart. After that, my friend Jonathon from Seattle will be here for the weekend. Adios amigos!

A Few of My Favorite Things

2008-10-09T19:50:00.002-04:00

One of the best things about being at the apartment across the hall is a pretty amazing view from the fire escape off the living room. I don't know why I like these water towers so much but I always catch myself staring whenever I see these in the city, atop unsuspecting buildings.

This is a row of brownstones about two blocks from my apartment. As the leaves begin to change colors and the air becomes a little more brisk, the brownstones start to have more of an autumn feel. Generally when I have errands to run, I walk about 3 streets down and two streets over so this street is always en route.

This is on Flatbush Avenue, the major street near my apartment. You can take this road from Prospect Park (Grand Army Plaza) all the way to Manhattan. There are lots of little neighborhoods and parks in between. Point to point would probably take about 10 minutes if traffic cooperates. This is near the office supply store, my subway stop, my favorite coffee shop, and the all essential Duane Reed drug store. Oh and the wine shop.

Progress

2008-10-08T19:39:00.000-04:00

The update on the construction project is nothing but great news. As you can see considerable progress is being made. After talking with Eddie several times, he has even offered to get me some work on the weekends to help pay the bills. All in all, the time over in the adjacent apartment has been great, for me, and the new floor and bathroom will be nice to come home to.

The market on the corner is also finishing the final touches on construction and should be open soon. This is great news as it is just about 500 feet from my house.

Constructing the Obvious

2008-10-08T00:17:00.004-04:00

Construction begins...

This is the picture, taken today, of the living room floor. As you can see to the right, the floor is coming away from the wall. This was the beginning of the problem.

Below you can see the joists which are causing the problem. Basically they are rotting away causing the floor to sink. So this is what they are working on presently. This amounts to tearing it all up, hoping the whole thing doesn't cave in.

But these problems are "real" problems. The floor is in fact sinking. The beams are indeed rotting. This is an emergency project that needs to be done. The next logical step would be clearly no one can occupy this apartment in its condition. I side track a bit because let's get real. Two of the three people could in fact live in the apartment. They simply would not have use of the living room or the bathroom.

There is a bathroom across the hall so that problem is settled. There is one person who cannot use their room, me. And this is not due to aesthetics. Frankly, I don't care if it looked the same way as it does now (see below) but I am not wanted because they need to gut the room and tear down the wall and I would simply get in the way. Which brings me to my startling issue at the moment.

One roommate has been somewhat Queenish, needing to move because she wouldn't just put up plastic to keep the dust out of her room. And arguably, she has a lot of studying to do so the other apartment is a more viable option. The other, more adapt to conflict, had finally had enough, breaking down.

Here is where I am faced with the first "real" dilemma in this whole ordeal. What on earth am I supposed to do at this point? I am the roommate. I have known this person for a little over 2 months. We aren't friends and we aren't enemies. She doesn't really know much about me. If I go in for the comforting hug am I violating any rules? Does this take me from roommate to friend? Do I want to cross that bridge? What is the roommate etiquette for these situations? I ended up tapping her shoulder in a WWI grandfatherly way like you see on TV, not committing to any clear position.

My sympathetic side was saying comfort this poor distraught thing. My logical side was saying this is New York! We live in an 1890 apartment in Brooklyn. Then my pragmatic side kicked in. I didn't offer any words of encouragement nor allowed any time for chit chat. I acted. I told her we were moving her stuff in. She briefly attempted interrupting me, likely to insist that I not have to sleep in the living room, (not a strategy Presidential hopefuls) so I cut off the attempt and started bringing her things over and moving mine out.

The result is that your author is sitting on his mattress on the floor in the living room. Is it an inconvenience? You bet your Sarah Palin gosh darn ants it is. But what are my options? I could deal with the inequities and who knows what comes after that. I could have a debate about who should be where. Or we can just get through this nonsense. I thought it would be simple. After day 5, I have a feeling this is just the beginning.

So I will just have to get used to the cat attacking me in the middle of the night, being awakened by two people stomping across the hardwood floors, forgetting what privacy feels like, unlocking the other apartment every morning at 8 am, locking the apartment when I get home, dealing with the construction crew, dealing with the manager, and pretending like I am not 27 years old and that magically my back has turned into that of a youthful boy of 8. Why? Because that is the pragmatic thing to do. And someone has to be a pragmatic adult here seeing as how our landlord and super won't. Until that changes let's keep things civil. I guess New York isn't as tough as I thought it was.

Debating NY

2008-10-05T16:52:00.004-04:00

Carly had me meet a friend, whom she and Ashley grew up with in Browns Point, named Anastasia. She is a local artist who went to Pratt Art Institute and lives near me in Bed Stuy, Brooklyn. She just got a new job at a little bar, Against the Grain, near East Village. I went to the bar, Anastasia above and bar below, and had a chance to chat and drink a beer. One of the weirdest things was that when we were all kids, we likely played within a block of each other as one of my best family friends grew up a street down from them. It's a small world afterall.

I then went to a popular NYU hangout called Apple Bar to meet up with my roomie, Marnie, and some of her classmates at the NYU Film School. We watched the Vice Presidential Debate in the HEART of the liberal elite world that Gov. Palin so often refers to. Needless to say, her use of doggone, dropping g's from the English language, and her complete lack of a grasp of any subject other than Russia's proximity, Mavericks (remember Top Gun?), and Americans did not get much approval.

Coming Home to Construction

2008-10-02T16:28:00.000-04:00

Within a week of coming home our bathroom had sunk more than 2 inches. The tiles were coming apart from the wall and the walls were coming apart from the floor. Why? The building was built in 1890 and the beams were damaged by water (condensation) and the "cement" of the time had nearly deteriorated into large rocks and were falling down on the workers who were remodeling the apartment below us. Eddie, who is a freelance carpenter traveling the wold said, "a couple more days and you would have had dead Indians below you."

This is a picture of the apartment being worked on below us. The biggest challenge was that bathroom which in turn revealed the defects in ours.

This is our bathroom after everything had been pulled out and the old concrete was removed.

The project will entail replacing the 18 foot beams that run under a portion of my room, the bathroom, and about 4 feet into the living room. It may include replacing the wall between my room and the bathroom and the flooring in all 3 will need to be replaced. The estimate was 4 days and has grown to 3-4 weeks. As with any construction project, that estimate will likely continue to grow.

In the meantime, luckily, we have access to the apartment (which is now vacant) across the hall. It is a 2 bedroom apartment with functioning kitchen and bathroom. Yael and I spent most of the day Saturday cleaning and moving the essentials in. For the time being, we will be using this apartment and heading over to our apartment to get what we need. I had to move my mattress and computer over due to the existing dust from tearing out the floor and future dust caused by construction. Yael complained of the dust entering her room, "my boogers are black." In fact, I have felt rather sick, inhaling all of that dust and the cat has even been affected with a bit of an asthma problem, sneezing, and just plain nasty eyes that are full of snot and largely unable to be fully opened.

Thus, as the picture shows, she was grateful, as we all are to have a haven to move to until the project is completed.

Last Days Seattle Trip

2008-09-22T15:12:00.000-04:00

Before I left, I got to see 5 month old, Ada. This is Joshua and Vanessa's little girl. She is absolutely adorable.

Although Ada preferred me, Carly got a chance to hold her as well. This is mostly because I am a very sharing individual and didn't want Carly's feelings to get hurt. Ada immediately cried when she held her however. In all seriousness, Carly looks like a natural mom.

On my last day, my flight was delayed so I took the opportunity to visit two other favorites of mine. The first is the Elliot Bay Bookstore.

The second is Caffe Umbria in Occidental Square. This is as near to an Italian Caffe as you can get in Seattle. It is by far my favorite coffee place downtown. It also holds a special place in my heart because it was here, on March 31, before Opening Day of Mariners baseball that I read an article informing me Yankee Stadium would be torn down later that year. Whatever reservations I had until then, that article pushed me over the edge and I decided to move to NY.

While all this was in my mind, we spotted a car with NY plates. Some signs are hard to miss. It was about time for me to be heading back to the city that never sleeps.

Family, Friends, and "F"oto Shoots

2008-09-20T14:58:00.000-04:00

My family and I went to Pike Place Market, the staple of Seattle. (Anyone thinking of the Space Needle should be reminded it is an eye sore and completely useless.) We walked around, visited my friend in a small, independent book store and ended up at Pike Place Brewery for lunch.

Pictured below, the family outside the aforementioned bookstore. If you get a chance to go, do. It is below the infamous fish market and a man of central asian descent will tell you just about anything you need to know and will do so with a smile and a story.

Later, I got to go to dinner at Stumbling Goat in Phinny Ridge. And naturally Wenarto threw a "wine tasting" party. Below is Stephen and I.

Finally, Wenarto took the opportunity to take a 5 picture photoshoot. Spontaneous of course. Here is one of the 5.

The Immortal W

2008-09-19T19:43:00.000-04:00

Following the wedding, Wenarto and I went to a film screening and art show at Evo, which is our friend's ski and snowboard shop in Fremont (evogear.com). Pictured above, Wenarto becoming "part of the art."

The art behind me is from an artist who did the work for K2. There are some amazing things being done with art on skis and snowboards as well as fascinating photography. I am borrowing my friend, Tre's, hat and glasses. Tre is a photographer and works for Evo. For Tre's work go to evogear.com/crew.aspx?crew=tdauenhauer

Wuv, Twu Wuv & Mauwug

2008-09-19T17:24:00.001-04:00

If you want to get the good pictures, sometimes you have to go where you just aren't allowed. Hence the "what do you think you are doing back here?" position of the bride, Monique. I met Monique in law school and she has been one of my dearest friends. After spending some time with her now husband, Nick, I found yet another example of a couple whom I think has got all the right pieces. So the main event of my trip to Seattle was a complete success.

In this picture: Joshua Curtis (right), Nick the groom, myself exemplifying all that is the "west side," and Monique the bride.

The first dance of the bride and groom complete with a twirl.

A father's proudest moment. The dance was not nearly as fluid as that of the bride and groom (believe me they have had enough practice) but was full of love.

The wedding was a great reminder of what is important in life. I got to see many of my law school friends, most of whom I have gotten very close and will remain in contact with no matter where I am. It was also a night of celebration, just what a wedding should be. To the future...

Goin to a Town...

2008-09-19T16:33:00.000-04:00

Rain. As you can see in the forecast. Rain and 56 degrees. Welcome to Seattle ;-) But at least I have good coffee.

Friday morning I started with my favorite coffee shop on Capitol Hill. Bauhaus. Great place and a must visit if you are in the area. Try the green tea bread but not on Mondays! They won't have it.

Then while walking downtown to meet Carly for lunch, I decided to get artsy and take a pic of Seattle in the background, Freeway "Park," and my cup of coffee. Watch out!

Finally- I took a pic of Nordstrom which is where we had lunch, Carly's favorite. Day one was a great start visiting my favorite places and seeing my favorite people. Next up, the Wedding.

Leaving on a Jet Plane...

2008-09-19T15:53:00.000-04:00

I packed my things and was headed to JFK airport when I noticed a really cool sticker by my apartment. This fool had parked in a no parking zone and because of his inconsiderate parking, the street was unable to be cleaned. So don't call the city whining. Call this guy.

This is the metro entrance I take to catch the B train. Notice it is a nice sunny day when I left Brooklyn. What will Seattle hold in store for me?

Getting Ready to Visit Seattle

2008-09-18T15:55:00.004-04:00

I am about to leave for the airport for a 8:50 p.m. departure for Seattle. I have a wedding to attend tomorrow for my good friends Monique and Nick. I am excited, though fighting a little cold, and ready to embark on my first public transit adventure to JFK.

Naturally, the rainy city will be providing me with some rain. Amazing. But it also provides me with some time with family and friends as well as grabbing a real cup of coffee and eating legitimately fresh seafood. All of these things I am looking forward to.

So I bid New York farewell for now as I visit Seattle for the first time as simply a visitor. To be sure, I will have stories and pictures when I return next Tuesday. Til then.

Pre- New York: Green DC'er

2008-09-16T15:55:00.000-04:00

Before I came to New York from Seattle, I had a chance to spend some time in Washington D.C. A friend of mine and I went on Memorial Day, unaware at the time, and saw the monuments, the WWII memorial, and walked around a bit.

Below is at the Lincoln Memorial. He is big.

Later we went to Georgetown, saw all the embassies and eventually ended up on a busy street for shoppers and eaters. Below is just down from that street.

Finally, I got a little introduction into what I was to expect in Brooklyn, namely, the streetside townhouses. I may have to move in to one of these someday.

"We Don't Do Waves"

2008-09-14T14:35:00.004-04:00

After careful consideration, I decided I would venture out again and attempt to attend the make-up game. I was having some doubts because I had a lot of studying to do and there was rain in the forecast. I was a little hesitant about spending the hour commute back and forth simply for a repeat performance of rain outs.

But this time we had a great success! One of the best parts of where I was sitting was it seemed like everyone around me was from somewhere other than NY and had come all this way to share the moment. The picture below was taken by some guys who came up from Atlanta. In front of me were some people from California and others from Minnesota.

It was a great game and the Yankees ended up beating the Devil Rays. At the end of the game, Frank Sinatra's, New York New York, was playing and the entire stadium was singing along.

For a baseball fan, this is a dream come true. And it is baseball heaven. There are no fair-weather fans here. When Alex Rodriguez struck out looking with 2 men on base, there were deafening boos. And when Derek Jeter laid down a sacrifice bunt and also ran out a ground ball, he had no doubt NY loved him. It's just a place where you know everyone here is a true baseball fan.

And sorry Seattle fans, but something that has always bugged me is the stupid WAVE. This should never be performed at a baseball game. Feel free to get it rolling when the Seahawks play. I had always thought, and said, that I bet in NY they don't do the wave. Well- my suspicions were confirmed. When some fans in the adjacent box seats attempted to start the wave, it was quickly squashed by fans on both flanks. In fact, their wave made it about 10 feet. To see the action, go to http://gallery.me.com/leggettj1/100111

So when I was on the subway coming back home, I couldn't help but smile. It was a dream come true and a goal realized. I called my dad during the game just so he could at least hear Yankee Stadium. He MUST come next year for the New Stadium and for an East Coast tour plus Cooperstown. Til then...

All Washed Up in the Bronx

2008-09-12T23:30:00.000-04:00

Friday held an important, arguably the most important, activity of my time here in NY. The ONLY other event I am dying to witness is the Metropolitan Opera, and let's face it, without Wenarto it won't quite be the same. But this weekend marked my first trip to Yankee Stadium, the House that Ruth Built.

On opening day in Seattle, March 31, 2007, I sat in a coffee shop in Occidental square hours before the first game of the Mariners season when I noticed a small headline on page 3 in the sports section of the Seattle Times. "Historical Yankee Stadium To Be Torn Down." I had been wavering on my decision to move to the east coast and in that moment, the decision was made. I HAD to get to NY to see a game before this monument to baseball, and really America, was gone forever.

Getting tickets turned out to be quite difficult. That night I checked the website and was shocked to see the entire season was already sold out. Apparently I was behind the game, so to speak. Upon arriving I asked around, was told by several people they could get me tickets, considered subjecting myself to counterfeit tickets on Craigslist, and finally this last week purchased a seat in the bleachers, home of the infamous Bleacher Creatures.

As I got off the subway, there was the house of legends. Babe Ruth was such a huge figure, and public draw, they built a new Stadium just for him. Along followed Lou Gherig, Yogi Berra, Mickey Mantle, and a score of others and the stadium has boasted historic moments and the sport's best. I was in sheer awe.

Then came the bad news. It was raining. And it had been raining for the better part of the evening. Would they call the game? Would I be reminded of why Seattle had to have a roof? As I sat in the bleachers admiring the ballpark, poncho dripping, I heard the chatter around me telling me this game was not going to be played.

Finally the announcement came an hour and a half after game time. The game would be rescheduled for the following evening, the 2nd of a double header. But in the forecast for tomorrow, Thunderstorms. It wasn't SUPPOSED to rain Friday until the early hours of Saturday. But as we all know, Steve Pool teaches "meteorologists" around the country. So I left that night, a little disappointed, and wondering if I would get to see the Yankees play in their final season at the House that Ruth Built.

A Cat's Life

2008-09-12T13:21:00.002-04:00

Maya has a cold. She has been sniffling and snotting and coughing. But she works the night shift steadily ridding us of mice.

The cat has been an interesting addition to the apartment. Yael and Marnie seem to crave the cat's affection which usually results in the cat hiding for a spell. What really gets them is that I rarely pay the cat any attention and yet it consistently bypasses them and flocks to me. It is a strange occurrence indeed.

But the most amusing bit regarding the cat is that Yael has never had one nor been around one. She is very unsure about what is appropriate for the cat and what is not. She is constantly asking questions as to what is proper cat behavior. "Why does she scratch in the litter box?" "Will she bite me?" "Why doesn't she love me?" All of this is better than most sitcom television.

While I maintain an arm's length relationship with the hair shedding creature, it is nice to have a 4th to entertain us.

Subways

2008-09-11T11:26:00.000-04:00

I have about an hour to an hour and a half subway commute to school. I have been trying different lines and think I found the best route for me. It involves a couple of transfers and a bus but it works out pretty well.

I came out of one station in Park Slope to find a long alley leading to the exit and then walking by Grand Army Plaza got lucky with two pretty cool photos.

For the most part, I love the subway. With an unlimited monthly pass, I feel like I can go anywhere. It's a great system. Which brings me to my New York moment that left me feeling a lot less green. I was taking a train back from school during rush hour and it was packed. A woman had a bit of a freak out and started yelling, "I can't take this. I can't be sandwiched like this." She moved to the middle of the train, which was an even tighter fit and I couldn't help thinking, "why are you on the subway then?"

That's when it hit me. I am used to the close quarters and what many would consider sheer madness. There was an old guy behind me, using me as a support and a guy reading the paper in front of me. I had no personal space but it didn't bother me one bit.

With so many people and so little space, I am getting used to being close. It's kind of great though. Everyone going through the daily grind together.

Tropical Storm Hannah and Hurricane Maya

2008-09-07T22:53:00.005-04:00

As we braced for Tropical Storm Hannah, I spent the early hours of the day buying canned foods, emergency supplies, and boarding the windows...ok well I didn't do any of that but I did wait in anticipation. The result? Disappointment.

The picture below was taken on Saturday night from my roof at around 10 pm in the eye of the storm. What ended up happening was some rain and an occasional gust of wind that made Seattle Inaugural Day storms look like category 5 demons. Essentially, the word tropical and storm should be taken out of future Hannah's and her offspring.

The second picture is from this evening revealing no damage and a nice sunset, leaving little memory of the terror of a storm that hit just moments before. Today when I ventured out into the remains of TSH I came across a little girl selling lemonade and some of her old educational books from the year before. Next to her laid a cardboard sign labeled, "Stoop Sale." I love Brooklyn.

So I asked her what the going rate was for a cup of lemonade and she said 10 cents with a bit of an embarrassed look, she couldn't have been older than 10. I then told her I would give her a dollar if she had whipped it up herself. She said she had and I began a short economics lecture informing her that in order to make a profit she was going to need to raise the price. After walking away I realized her advertising campaign was sheer brilliance. How many other walkers by had she sheepishly told the meager dime price to just to get a larger donation? I then felt as though she could have given me the lecture. But the experience added a kick to my step just knowing that here in the urban setting of Brooklyn were the old days of lemonade stands run by future business leaders. She had also informed me that she had read all of the 20 plus books strewn about on towels on the sidewalk. Keep up the studies young one.

Finally this weekend included a pleasant but smelly surprise. While we were distracted by the wind and rain outside, Hurricane Maya had hit us unaware. After tracing the stench behind the tv stand in the living room, two bodies were in the slow process of decomposing. The victims, Mat and his friend, were apparently no match for the wits of our Bronx breed hunter. Below are the makeshift graves I had to quickly put together to remove the corpses and quell the girlish screams that began on the living room couch and echoed behind the closed doors of two bedrooms. When the cowardly housemates reemerged from their safe harbors, I was commended with a "thank God we have a man in the house," and quizzed with "was this the grossest thing I had ever done." Sadly, no.

I'm in a New York State of Mind

2008-09-04T20:36:00.000-04:00

One of the great things about living in New York is a complete overload of entertainment possibilities. In one week, I was able to see Jazz/R&B singer Amel Larreiux and author Brad Meltzer.

The above picture was taken from our table.

I also got the opportunity to meet a lawyer turned author and do a little something for my mother in the process. Brad Meltzer graduated from Columbia Law School and then instead of being a lawyer, he decided to be a writer. His choice has lead him down a road of both success and happiness. He is also a wonderful person. My mother had turned me on to his books some time ago but she was REALLY the fan. I subscribe to a newsletter that informs me of free events in the city including concerts, book readings, and lectures, among other things.

I learned that Meltzer, from Brooklyn, would be starting his book tour in NY and had the fortune of being able to go. After the reading, Mr. Meltzer graciously signed books. The room was packed and he maintained a fantastic attitude the entire time. I had filled out a card that simply said, "Shannon" on it. When I handed him the book, he shook my hand and introduced himself. I replied, "I'm Jason," and he asked who Shannon was. I told him that my Mom was really the big fan and that I would be sending the book back to Seattle.

He scribed a personalized comment, signed, and asked me what I was doing in NY. I told him I was in law school and he asked what I was going to specialize in, a term only lawyers seem to use in this line of questioning. I firmly said "not law," and he smiled and said, "Good, that was the greatest decision I had ever made." It's just so nice to meet someone who followed their dreams and wasn't deterred by traditional expectations. I am meeting more and more people like that in NY.

The Case of the Mouse Hunter

2008-09-02T20:04:00.002-04:00

Meet Maya. She is a 9 month old stray who was adopted by Marnie on Tuesday. So why on Earth would anyone adopt a cat in NYC? Well, I wish I could say it was for altruistic reasons but we had a practical need. You see, Mat decided to bring a friend into our apartment. So I figured if Mat can go and get outside rodent help, we would not be breaking the rules if we got outside feline help. So Maya was "hired" for one purpose: keep our apartment mouse free.

As the political pundits ask, "what qualifies Gov. Palin to be the Vice President," I figure you are just as curious to know what qualifies Maya for this epic battle in which yours truly has failed twice now. Well, in short, she is from the mean streets of the Bronx. So in the hierarchy of toughness, Mat and his little friend are NO match for Bronx Maya!

And right we were. After being in the apartment for less than 12 hours, she had bagged her first kill. Well, not exactly a kill. She did a little catch and release action. Who knows where she spent those hard, long 9 months in the Bronx? Maybe she has a murder conviction under her belt already. So the street life has taught her to be tough, but to always issue a warning first. And it has worked. There has been NO sign of Mat or his compatriot.

Maya has also brought a little sense of calmness to the apartment. She is remarkably well behaved. She is not skiddish at all. And even though I have really only shown disinterest in her, for some reason, she seems to prefer me, to the discontent of Marnie and Yael. I am sure that will pass.

I am currently working on installments two and three of the epic battle against Mat the mouse and will let you know when they are up on youtube.

A Moving Weekend

2008-09-01T19:43:00.000-04:00

This last weekend, I helped my housemate, Marnie, move her remaining things from her old apartment on the upper west side (think Madonna). She is featured in the first picture attempting to turn the revolving cube. After some effort, she was successful. This is at Union Square. We took a trip to the "local" K-Mart to pick up some household essentials. I also took the opportunity to grab a couple of plants to GREEN up my room.

K-Mart is in the middle of the city (lower east side) and as you can imagine, it was packed.Luckily we found a parking spot and were on our way. Before the K Marche stop, we had spent a few hours lugging her stuff down a flight of stairs and into a moving van. After reviewing her leftovers I could see the importance of keeping over 20 cook books. Particularly with the internet still widely hidden from most Americans. She also had some kitchen things including a fondue set, every dry herb you could imagine (please question freshness here) and a wide variety of baking supplies. Did I mention our oven in not functioning...well aside from it's use of housing our pots and pans.

We stopped by the Housing Works thrift store (I will dedicate a blog to Housing Works in conjunction with my plans at a later point) and grabbed a slice of delicious pizza. I am still holding out for Chicago until I make a judgment.

We then stopped and picked up my new computer. Now it isn't pretty or new but it was a heck of a find for an outstanding price. Along with the computer, I also found a desk on the street near my apartment (pictured) below.

We ended the evening at a local restaurant, "Beast", which was delicious and very well priced. She bought in consideration of my trekking up 4 flights of stairs with the "book boxes." If you need to know how to move in NYC on a budget, I am your man, now having done it twice. I was also able to help my other housemate get her ipod up and running and attempted to move her beyond the use of the 3 1/2 Floppy Disk and starting using her ipod storage. But after discovery she had a slight technology phobia, I am now in charge of maintaining her ipod music so we will focus on one thing at a time.

This weekend also included round two of the mouse trap. After altering the trap, the mouse still was able to defeat me. So the tally is Mat the Mouse 2 and Jason the Human 0. To watch the first of three installments in the epic battle, please go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MWUX5ovRNPc

As the Green New Yorker, I embrace the reality of living with mice and cockroaches and accept the challenge of dealing with them in a human and environmentally friendly way. Well- maybe not humane with the roaches.

Back to School... New York Style

2008-08-30T00:36:00.003-04:00

As you can see, I fell a bit behind due to this week being my first week back at law school. There are several contributing factors as to why I was unable to post this week. The first is that of security. The second is due to transportation. The third is due to workload. And the fourth was due to a visitor.

The first two are related. Because I was still waiting for my financial aid check to arrive, I had to be very cost effective in my commute. This required me to take one subway and walking a total of 6 miles a day. I simply didn't want to have to lug my books and laptop around while doing all of this. Also, with the possibility of muggings lingering in the warning portion of my brain, I don't want to get myself marked as a target. Most of the victims have had backpacks and I would rather just eliminate that possibility. So I am going to buy a cheap desktop (Mac of course) tomorrow (hopefully) off of craigslist and keep my laptop in my locker at school. So I will stay safe and be able to work from home via Mobileme from Mac as well as post on this blog.

Workload was also a significant factor. I have the following classes: 1) Commercial Transactions; 2) Corporations; 3) Tax; and 4) International Law. This requires a heavy reading load, like most law classes, and I was spending most of my time this week preparing and catching up for classes. I am also researching my journal article for public interest law school teaching practices. With the addition of typical administrative activities that come along with law school, it has been a busy week and sadly I have been averaging only about 5 hours of sleep. But with the arrival of my financial aid check and the 3-day weekend, that should be coming to an end.

I also had a visitor this week and we went to a Jazz concert in the lower east side and enjoyed some time at a great non-profit bookstore (more to come in a later blog). The concert was amazing. It was at Blue Note on 3rd Avenue and Amel Larrieux was the performer. It was a very relaxing and soul filling night and even featured Amel's 14 year old daughter accompanying her on piano, flawlessly and effortlessly. I'll write separately about the bookstore and my experience in Chinatown, where the bus comes in.

So after almost a month of scraping every penny I had and all that was donated to me, I got a portion of my financial aid for the semester. Ignoring the scathing critique I would like to embark on thrashing the business system of law schools, I will instead focus on my first purchase. After eating small portions of "meals" for the bulk of this month, I was able to order sushi in. But after eating my sushi, and tempura green tea ice cream, a new favorite of mine, I was still hungry. So I ordered mexican food in too. It must have been quite a sight when my roommate Marnie came home to see the empty bags of food that is not exactly "pair recommended." But I feel great.

Tomorrow I will be helping Marnie move the rest of her things from her old apartment in the upper west side, hopefully picking up my circa 1999 Mac, and stopping by a thrift store to get a desk/table from my room as well as a couple of items from Target.

The CUNY experience thus far has been amazing. The last 2 years I have been in a highly competitive, stress filled environment. When I walked in the halls all this week, every student was so friendly and eager to learn. In every one of my classes we talk about ethics, non-profits, and the public good. It is such a departure from what I have been used to. And it is so wonderful. Talking with students, each one has a niche they would like to fill and a personal dedication to living life to the fullest while serving others. There is no talk of getting that big law firm job. There is no drama between the students. And everyone is eager to help each other.

I look forward to writing more about these classes and how they embrace the public interest focus as well as my experience at the bookstore when the pictures arrive. All in all, it was a great week full of studying, new experiences, relaxation and relationship building, and ending with...food.

Orientation and Mieces

2008-08-22T23:38:00.003-04:00

So today was the big orientation day for CUNY law. I woke up bright and early and began my commute to the law school. I have to walk about a mile to the F train which is one ride to Forest Hills (in Queens where the school is) and then another mile walk to the law school. It takes about an hour and a half but I am trying to cut back on expenses until I get my aid money so the commute is a little longer now then need be. And it is lovely weather, lots of people out and about and the walk over the station is a fantastic one on Prospect Park West which goes by the really nice residences. So what could I possibly complain about? The pictures are from this area and it was voted "greenest neighborhood" in Brooklyn and you can see why. Lots of recyclers and very clean streets.

I got on a very crowded train which means body contact but I found myself listening to my personalized "soundtrack of the day" which is a great way to start a day and didn't really mind. There were less riders about half way through and I got a little reading done. When I got to the school I discovered that I am the only visiting student and there is one transfer student, Nicole, who is a second year from Hofstra, which is near my summer apartment in Bay Shore. So we got all of our administrative business taken care of and found out we are enrolled in a class together. So we are in this CUNY newbie experience together. Perfect.

I found myself in a great mood and was chatting it up with everybody. I met the Dean of Academics and she is on board with my plan to write an article about public interest law school teaching practices, convinced the registrar to let me have my books and square me away even though my tuition check won't be paid until next week, made good friends with the librarian, and met a wonderful woman, Margie, who makes breakfast every morning. And I mean buffet tables, with all sorts of food. She has been working there for over 15 years and she went into great detail, twenty minutes, of my food options every morning, including the types of butter available. Nicole let me co-habitate her locker until I get mine on Monday, which was good news because I wasn't trying to carry 30 pounds of books on the subway.

It was a really good day, and it is good to have a friend who knows what it's like to be the foreigner. We walked around the campus and saw the farm and llamas. Pretty interesting little place. On my way back on the subway, I really started feeling like a New Yorker. I can manage the subways, and don't mind them. I am walking a ton. And I just seem to be getting along with so many friendly people here. It just isn't true what they say about east coasters.

So now I am writing the day's narration and will have some homework to do this weekend as well as some last ditch effort at laziness, including finishing the 700 page novel I started this summer. But the highlight of the day had to be when I saw a little "Ratatouille" precariously perched on the corner of the oven (which doesn't work but that is another story). I was uncertain as to whether I should inform my roommate who had a hellish day at law school today as a second year (the first semester of 2nd year is just terrible) and I didn't know if she would freak out. Surprisingly she was very calm and told me I couldn't kill him. Of course not. So after a bit of research online, I have a few humane strategies for catching him and will be releasing him far away in the park. The song goes, "I think I smell a rat..." but I think I smell a YOUTUBE :-) Stay tuned.

Fireworks and the Immortal Words of the King Woman

2008-08-20T20:53:00.002-04:00

My roommate and I ran to the roof to the sounds and sights of a fireworks display. I kid you not, the fireworks followed a family screening of "Hairspray." (http://www.prospectpark.org/calendar/event/21934?o5943)

Unfortunately I missed the screening (please insert sarcasm here) but the fireworks were surprisingly impressive. Thank you borough President.

I also made a friend yesterday whom I talked with today as well. Her name is Mut Shekem T Amena. She is a priest at an African church. I stopped and chatted with her yesterday, which turned into an hour, trying out her oils and discussing the issues of the world in great detail. These issues, including whether I had a women, a man, or both, whether I believed in the almighty ever-healing spirit, and how I felt about the fact that her wife was married, were discussed as countless neighbors stopped by, to whom she always politely introduced me to each.

So today as I was taking my clothes to the laundromat, she joyfully sang, "Jah Sun," and guessed that I was born in May, on a Sunday, and that I was a Taurus. She also correctly told me that I had walked on this side of the street because it was in the sun and the other side was in shade, even though that is the side of the laundromat. She pointed out that I must be a happy one because I wear bright colors, noting my red running shirt the evening before, and the yellow polo I was wearing today. The other woman, an elderly black woman, calls me "handsome" and today kidded she was going to set me up with a "few available women in her building." I innocently replied, "I am not sure I can handle a few," but she assured me, "you must handsome, you must."

She is a wonderful woman who sits and sells perfumed oils, incense sticks, and other homemade items in front of her building, which is next to mine, and knows nearly everyone in the neighborhood. She is full of positivity and loves to talk. I am sure I will be seeing a lot of her, sharing conversation on a variety of topics, and I promised to bring her hot coffee when it starts getting colder because, "honey," she said, "whenna colda comin, I ah stayin, cause I gotta be makin da money to pay da bills."

Just another day in Brooklyn.

Won't You Be My Neighbor

2008-08-19T00:37:00.003-04:00

No matter who you are, what you believe your identity to be, or where you live, you are someone's neighbor and part of a larger community.

This weekend, I decided I would venture out and see what was going on around me. First I stopped by a dive bar which was purported to have live music. Unfortunately the band had cancelled. So I began a trek to see if I could find what I was looking for, not knowing what that was. It was only about 8 pm so most people in Park Slope were eating and the bars were empty. Somewhat dejected, I decided to stop by my local bar to have a beer before calling it a night.

Shortly after ordering my beer, I began talking to some "locals." What I found was what I have come to like about Brooklyn so much, they all had different stories. J is a 25 year old originally from San Diego who, after 9/11, volunteered for the National Guard, and trained in Missouri to be deployed to Iraq. He was medically discharged due to a shoulder injury. He decided to come out east. Working part-time jobs J is floating through life at the moment and mentioned to me he would be trying out Seattle next summer. It's a small world after all. We discussed his trip and his plans and J represents many other twenty somethings who are just trying to make sense of it all.

Then there was K who grew up in the Bronx. As an athlete he found a way to stay in school but like so many was influenced by the prospect of getting rich young through the only employment around. This came in the form of selling drugs. After a short, but lucrative career, K was caught and served a brief stint in jail due to his age. One of the most fascinating statements he made was that prison wasn't that bad because he knew most of the inmates there. On probation, he is now enrolled in community college, without financial aid due to his criminal status, and has had to sacrifice the finer things in life to stay out of trouble, which included moving out of the Bronx. There are still those around him who could draw him back in and as he said, "it could be just a matter of time." Frustratingly, this is a reality. And before you think it doesn't happen where you live, remember that here it is just more public.

Then there is H. H is 42, never married, and has a 15 year old daughter. H is a neighborhood veteran and has seen a lot of changes and recalls the 80's, stating, "then, if you heard gun shots, duck." Talking with them, we concluded things are safer in a way now. Then it was largely turf wars between organized gangs fighting over drug sales. Now it is neighborhood teens, without larger affiliation, fighting over lesser evils, girls, sidekick cells, and minor possession rings.

We mostly talked about sports but every once in awhile the conversation hit home to the real world just outside the door. This neighborhood is diverse. But there are stories that many don't know, and some who don't care to find out even though THEY moved HERE, that speak to core issues that affect any community. When I worked in Seattle's poorest neighborhood schools, students were fully aware of the criminal opportunities that waited for them. There were always family members and friends who were involved in numerous activities. Two of my students were raised by their mother alone, who was a prostitute, and left them to fend for themselves a few days a week. They also lived in a reputed "drug house." At least once a week, I had to walk them home wondering if someone would be there to greet them. But short of writing a $30,000 check, what can be done?

This is the reality. Where are the opportunities? When there are none, or there appear to be none, or the ones available seem to be reserved for a select few, hard economic choices have to be made. And when a choice yields a reward, there is little incentive to listen to principles of justice and fairness in an unjust system. While I hope to contribute to the greater good in a more meaningful capacity some day, these neighborhood bar discussions are as good as experiential learning as you can get. The four of us sitting there in a bar, owned and operated by a local Brooklyn woman with her own story, all sharing our different stories, each related. It's a crummy world at times and we owe it to each other to learn about our neighbor's lives. But you have to get out there. I was a decision away from staying in, watching a movie, and isolating myself from the community around me. Maybe it's risky. Maybe you can't trust anyone. But I am now attending a school where the motto is "law in the service of human needs" and came from a school that "challenges students to shape an equitable legal system for the common good through service of social justice." I think you have to accept the challenge to get to know what those human needs are before you can promote social justice. I accept.

Delivery!

2008-08-16T02:20:00.003-04:00

So I did a quick Google search just to make sure I wasn't crazy and confirmed we definitely don't have Sushi and Tempura Ice Cream delivered to our door in Seattle. This is now at least the 4th or 5th time my roommate has looked at me like I was crazy for never having experienced something seen as common place in NYC. And what an amazing thing. In 20 minutes we had 2 sushi rolls, seaweed salad, and 2 servings of tempura green tea ice cream at the door. She then showed me the countless menus hidden away next to the refrigerator in the kitchen. It was a food awakening today.

I also spent a little bit of time, before the thunderstorms came back, sketching on the roof. I am trying out these oil pastel crayons and it's going ok so far. If it looks good at all, I will post a picture. But below is the view I am sketching, specifically the water towers (a NY staple) and the building.

One of my roommates is off visiting Israel for 10 days and the other just finished her summer internship and we are both lazily awaiting school to start. Among the tasks I will need to accomplish will be figuring out how on earth I am going to get to Queens from here via subway. The tripplanner wasn't promising so I guess it will just require venturing out. Also we have the wall and cube painting project which I will get into more detail at a later time. It is scheduled for next weekend. I also need to consider finding a weekend job, perhaps a bar or restaurant. Which reminds me I need to budget as a starving student.... It is actually amazing how many little things there are to do just to get settled. I still don't think it has hit me that I live here. It still seems like a bit of a vacation.

No major plans for the weekend so until Monday, take care of yourself and others.

A Rainy Day

2008-08-15T00:43:00.004-04:00

Today was a pretty rainy day and I sat around reading and working on my upcoming website. As I was scrolling through pictures, the combination of rain and memories left me missing Seattle. It's hard to leave friends and family. So I just wanted to post a few pics of what was left behind...

An Educational Experience

2008-08-13T21:06:00.005-04:00

This last weekend wasn't quite what was expected. So often, the best laid plans are subject to things that are far out of our control. Thus, when Sunday came around, the plan to attend the Brooklyn Tabernacle and hear a famous gospel singer was interrupted by the sounds of thunder and raindrops. But as is so often the case in the unexpected, I find myself learning.

The most important lesson from the weekend has been something that has been on my mind a great deal since moving to New York. The topic, multiculturalism. There is a lot of debate as to the precise definition of the term but in my own words I would venture to describe it as near: the presence of varying races, religions, beliefs, and values that make up a distinct culture. There is no way around it, it's a controversial topic. So I tread lightly.

New York is well known for being the landing point for a variety of immigrants for nearly 3 centuries now. For some groups, this means assimilation. Many white European immigrants left their cultural identities behind to become American. Others proudly re-established their cultures in neighborhoods. Some had no choice. Today, each shares a space with the others and seek to make their way daily often without knowledge of the other. And lack of knowledge,whether titled the unknown or ignorance, can create fear, prejudice, or simply a shyness to step out of a comfort zone. In New York, I struggle with this more than I would have expected.

I was asked to attend a Dominican Republic Festival this weekend and under the influence of what I have found to be the prevailing sentiment here so far, I became a victim of ignorance. Instead of embracing the opportunity and learning more about a culture that is largely represented in NYC and in my neighborhood in Brooklyn in particular, I was distracted by reports of crime and complaints of crowds. Passively aggressively, I opted out and asked for a more comfortable experience. This was a mistake.

When I walk around my neighborhood, I see the America of the future. There are too many cultures to count, living in a small area, and not enough effort to embrace it all. I am a curious person. My aunt has called me a "digger." I want to know everything there is to know about everyone around me, including their culture. When I went to Italy, I shied away from Americans and dove right in to meet Italians and gain an understanding of the culture in Florence. I forced myself to speak the language, meet people, and appreciate the differences. I ignored exaggerated claims of danger and I was better of for it. And I am not Italian.

When I worked in inner-city schools in Seattle, as a tutor and community organizer, I was usually the only white person walking around, meeting with parents and leaders in the community. Again, I was not dissuaded by fear, but sought to fully understand the culture I was in. But lately I have been bombarded with talk of crime, difference, and "allegiance." This is not me. I intend to go to graduate school to further research cultural differences and bring about effective solutions that embrace multiculturalism. I don't want to be a part of the irrational fear of isolation.

I thought a lot about this today and I decided I need to get involved in the community immediately to understand what's going on around me. I will not allow myself to be typecast into a role I am not comfortable in. And I was foolish to allow myself to be subjected to such and missed out on a truly NY opportunity. In this light, think about the activities I did experience with a friend that brought this to my attention, for which I am grateful.

On Friday night, I went to my favorite local bar, near my house which embraces diversity to the fullest extent. You will see many cultures together sharing the common values of humanity in one of the oldest traditions. Relaxing and talking. Think about this the next time you go onto an internet group that isolates you from these experiences and simply reinforces your point of view.

On Saturday we went up to Central Park and visited the Strawberry Fields Memorial where John Lennon was shot. Whatever your politics, a message of understanding and peace cannot be undervalued. Again, people from all walks of life, visit the memorial and pay tribute, not to a man, but to an idea. The park itself reinforces the idea, for it belongs to no single group, no identity, not even to a country, but to all who wish to visit. And by and large, everyone gets along. When asked, people gladly take pictures for you, give a smile, and sometimes pleasant conversation.

Later that evening, we had dinner at a Middle Eastern restaurant where again the prospect of differing cultures has only added to the experience of living somewhere open to the free exchange of ideas, activities and sometimes most importantly, food! How boring would life be if one had only to choose from a set menu, day in and day out. And again, people from all walks of life sit and share cultural experiences in a traditional form, owned by no single identity.

These experiences are learning lessons. If we don't make the effort to expose ourselves to things different than what we are used to, we find ourselves trapped in ignorance afraid of what could happen, when it almost never does. I have learned another lesson as well. I feel compelled, as a member of a population that often circulates the unsubstantiated fear, to better understand the problem and to being a countervailing force and encourager of simply trying new things.

My NY experience is supposed to be about self awareness, and I am reminded what one of my professor's, not so long ago told me, namely that I was a corrigible, rather than incorrigible, person. This is important because I am reminded that I need experiences to feel content. I am open to what tomorrow brings, because I don't know with certainty what it will hold, and if those experiences, even the mistakes, change my mind, I gladly accept and vow to be different the next chance I get.

If I want to make a difference, and I do, and if I want to enjoy my Brooklyn experience, I would be wise to limit my judgments and listen to those around me. This is what my experiences, out of my comfort zone, have impressed upon me. Sometimes it takes a gentle reminder to get back on track. And for me, I am back to getting the most out of this experience. The details are naturally yet to come. Stay tuned.

Preparing and Getting Lost

2008-08-07T21:22:00.003-04:00

I have a friend coming up from DC this weekend and so I have been busily finding things to do here this weekend. So we are going to head up to Central Park to see the Strawberry Fields Memorial for John Lennon. Then we will head back here and see a Bill Withers Tribute Concert at Prospect Park. On Sunday, we will tour the area and see CeCe Winans at the Brooklyn Tabernacle with the BT Choir. Pretty full line up.

But that meant I also needed to clean. My roommates have devised a cleaning schedule where I am responsible for the first 10 days of the month. Now remember this, guys are supposed to be messy, which I guess from some points of view, we are. But girls and their HAIR. The bathroom is essentially the stopping ground where hair goes to die. It's amazing. It's everywhere. Other than that, the cleaning is a snap.

Today was the second time I went to run at Prospect Park. Now last time, I got lost about 2.5 miles in. The full loop is 3.5 miles. I wasn't sure if the loop was done, so last time, I took a little detour thinking it would hook me back up to the main loop. It didn't. I ended up at an intersection where Ebbett's Field is (old Brooklyn Dodgers Stadium). I finally found my way back and came across the hill that continues for 1 mile.

So today, I tried entering in a new spot. Only this entrance is a mini-park in itself. So I took the opposite exit and figured I would run around the block and the park would be there. It isn't. The Botanical Gardens are. Then there was the Brooklyn Museum. Then lo and behold: the Ebbett's Field intersection. I couldn't believe it. I had literally come full-circle two days later. So I got back to the path and again tried something different. I saw the Center Drive sign and decided to go that way, against traffic. Which was also a bad idea and the entire drive is uphill. I finally finished and decided from now on I will just stay on the main path.

So I leave you with a pic from last night as the sun was setting on the way back to my apartment.

Lazy Wednesday

2008-08-06T21:12:00.000-04:00

This is the front of my apartment building. We are on the 4th Floor. We just got a new garbage and recycling area. One of the tenants crafted a 12 bin facility complete with lids, doors, and handles to keep the garbage in and the riff raff out. Very exciting stuff.

After getting a few groceries, thanks to a donation from mi familia, I met a friend at Prospect Park. We basically just sat around watching people and chatting. Shortly after we arrived, there was a man flying a kite. Then another. Then two more. Then there was a club. It was really cool to watch them set their kites, line it up and walk it out, and then watch them take off. It reminded me of being a kid again.

So we started talking about all the stuff we had as kids and looked at the kids around us. There were the Razrs (which we called scooters), there were squirt guns (remember super soakers?), and there were a variety of other things. But it reminded me of slip and slides, water bombs, and all the other must haves of a childhood summer. Just then a beagle puppy came tumbling into me. I had heard these were among the friendliest dogs in the world, but this one was king. He was just so happy to have the attention.

I also watched some pick up soccer which I will make a goal to get in before the summer is over. Other than that, it was a pretty lazy day. Ahhhh the dog days of summer ;-)

Brooklyn Public Library

2008-08-05T23:40:00.005-04:00

Today I went to the Brooklyn Public Library. I wandered around, checked out the exhibits, and took a few pics though I was a little afraid Homeland Security might be following me. The above picture is from the 3rd floor looking down at the lobby area. It's a pretty big, old-fashioned library and I am sure I will be spending a lot of time here.

Below is in the literature section.

The last picture is the entrance. It's a really great photo op but I just have the phone camera for now. Perhaps I can get a visitor to take a better picture to get the whole thing. There is also a Children's Wing around the side of the library with a Children's Garden and Entrance. It looks like they have some volunteer opportunities so I will have to take advantage of that as well.

Besides checking out my probable home away from home, I also picked up a voter registration form and sent that in. Look out NY, I can vote.

Just Another Sunday in Brooklyn

2008-08-03T22:55:00.004-04:00

I spent the morning sitting on the roof, drinking coffee and chatting on the phone. From that vantage, I have a great little view of downtown Manhattan. I think this is going to have to be a regular activity, perhaps minus the phone.

I then met up with a friend, who I met in Seattle but who is now living in Jersey, and we went to see what was going on at Prospect Park. Apparently, there is a summer series called "Celebrate Brooklyn," and today's theme was the African Musical Festival. There was a wide variety of shows, events, and stands with clothes, jewelry, and other items. I was told there are concerts here all the time, ranging from festivals like this to bands like Spoon, etc. The best part is this is only about 10 minutes from my apartment.

Then, while walking around, we happened upon a joint church service from the cultures of Ghana and Nigeria. It was pretty amazing. The music was fantastic and there was a spiritual feel you sensed from quite a distance. We were told it was a reunion of sorts.

So a pretty uneventful Sunday in Brooklyn. It really kind of makes me miss good old Bay Shore where I was surrounded by fun things to do and interesting people. Maybe I made a mistake ;-)

New Apartment in Prospect Heights

2008-08-02T21:14:00.003-04:00

So here are a few pics of the new place. I will get more up in due time. Like when I get stuff in my room. We are also painting the living room wall soon and I will take pics of the area. Til then...

As you walk into the apartment you are in the living room. Straight ahead through the french doors is Marnie's room.

If you walk to her room and turn around you are facing the kitchen.

If you turn to the left, you see my room, and Yael's is to the left, and the bathroom is to the right.

This is the view (kinda- there is now an AC unit) from my room- pretty small but doable.

This is from the kitchen looking out.

Brooklyn Move in- A Great Success. Very nice

2008-08-02T20:15:00.006-04:00

First, greetings from Brooklyn! So you can figure out I made it. As you may recall from yesterday's post, there were 5 potential dangers: the train, the transfer, the station, the weather, the conductor.

1) I got the double decker :-( But LUCKILY I somehow managed to get the conductor's section which immediately to the right is one level with ample space. Not intended as a passenger area, the conductor was cool with letting me use his cubby for my stuff, and to keep me out of the way. So with that move I took out number 1) and 5)!

2) Unfortunately, I had to change platforms. But again, luck would have it- elevators. So number two was easy. Below is a pic of my stuff at Jaimaca- remember- the suitcase is like 100 lbs and the backpack is like 30.

3) I got off at Flatbush and followed the elevator signs- see below. It must have been a "sign" (ha-yawn) because the Hansen's are in Laguna Beach right now, weird travel coincidences.

4) The weather. It actually cooperated and waited to start raining until about noon, well after I had gotten all my stuff in. See below for weather as I am approaching Brooklyn...

5) See 1) above.

6) "As you know, there are known knowns; there are things we know we know. We also know there are known unknowns; that is to say we know there are some things we do not know. But there are also unknown unknowns- the ones we don't know we don't know." Donald Rumsfeld.

Likewise- I did not know I would be exhausted when I got to Flatbush Station. So I had to grab a cab, which was $12 to go a mile. But I made a friend. His name is Ighabel and he is from Northern Pakistan. After learning I was a law student, he urged me to study immigration law so that I might make millions. He then asked for my name and number and told me we shall go and have tea. Very interesting- considering the book I just read. :-)

Also- I forgot about the STAIRS. 4 flights of vertical marble with all that stuff.

Saying Goodbye to Bay Shore

2008-08-01T20:55:00.003-04:00

The last day wasn't much different than any other day here in Bay Shore. I did some laundry, mailed a letter, and went on a run. On this last run, I thought of 5 potential problems that could face me tomorrow as I attempt to move. First a little background:

I basically had to spend all my money on first month's rent and deposit. As mentioned in previous posts, the job hunt was severely restricted by my proximity to where the sidewalk ends ;-) As such, I had to make hard calculations for this move. Due to gas prices, rental companies are no longer offering the great specials they did not 3 months ago. It also seemed to make little sense to attempt to make more than one trip. Remember- 1 trip is $10. So I decided to cut down to one suitcase. One very heavy suitcase, app. 85 pounds.

Then I have my backpack which weighs in at a little over 30 pounds. Then I have the guitar, and amp, I bought earlier in the summer to keep me company. Then I have a cd case full of dvds. So this is what I will be lugging onto the train tomorrow. I am leaving early, 9 am, to avoid crowds and because I only have to make one transfer. Assuming I can get all of this down the stairs of my apartment and wheeled to the train station, and then wheeled to my apartment in Brooklyn (total foot traffic is 2 miles) then I only have 5 variables that could make my trip an absolute joy.

So the 5 potential dangers:

1) Train Selection. There are two types of trains that serve on the long island railroad. One is the double decker. The other is a single. I need the single. First the single has a place to store luggage. Second, it is only one level. The doubles are like those great split level houses- only forcing me to make an immediate choice, with over 200 pounds chillin with me.

2) The Transfer. I have to transfer in Jamaica. I need the transfer train to be on the same platform otherwise I am in a bit of a pickle Dick. I think there is an escalator to go up to the bridge where you can access the other platforms. But there is definitely not one going down. That could be interesting.

3) The Station. I get off at the flatbush train station. I need an elevator. There must be one for handicap people but I have no idea where it is. If I can't find it, I have to attempt to lug all that cargo up a narrow set of steep stairs.

4) The Weather. According to weather.com, we have rain in the forecast tomorrow. Hopefully, the thunderstorms come a little later in the day.

5) The Conductor. Let's just hope he/she is on my side. I may need to make up a sob story or something. I am considering getting on the 6:30 am train just to ensure a small crowd.

Seattle to New York

2008-07-31T00:09:00.003-04:00

There isn't much going on this week. I am just packing, and cleaning, and packing. I move to Brooklyn on Saturday. I have to take the train so I am trying to cut down to one suitcase and a bag.

But I was looking through pictures and I thought I would put a couple of NY so far and of Seattle. There are actually a lot of similarities. Unless, anything eventful happens, I may stay off the blogosphere until I move on Saturday. Til then,

Green in New York

2008-07-29T00:25:00.003-04:00

Sunday brought a terrible thunderstorm. Now, normally I love these storms. It is a great excuse to grab a book and cuddle up and spend the day inside. But this one hit a little too close to home. When it goes from a low rumble to a snap and flash outside your window, it gets a little unsettling. So I decided to check online to see what was going on. Here is what I found:

"Severe Thunderstorm Warning:

...this is a dangerous storm. If you are in its path...prepare immediately for damaging winds...destructive hail...and deadly cloud to ground lightning. People outside should move to a shelter...preferably inside a strong building but away from windows."

I think the "deadly" is what caught my attention. I read on to read, "if you feel the hairs stand up on your body, duck and cover immediately, as you are in the line of the lightning's path." I looked down at my hairy arms and decided to move away from the window.

It was a great storm which took up most of the day. It was fun to listen to the thunder. Sometimes just a normal rumbling. Then sometimes it seemed as if it was distant and rolling closer to me. Then there were the snaps which followed within seconds of the lightning. This was not fun. But it reminded me of being a kid, counting the seconds in between strike and sound.

Today- I decided to take my recyclables to the closest depot, for the sake of this blog. It is located at the Stop-n-Shop grocery store, a little under a mile away from the apartment. As I walked, holding three bags of paper and two bags of glass containers, I thought of the absurdity of this system. In Seattle apartments are forced to recycle or get charged. This means there is recycling everywhere. But more importantly, it is convenient. A bin is never too far away. But here in NY I get to lug my stuff to the depot. But being from Seattle, I have been trained to care for our green world.

When I got to the the "depot" I began to insert my bottles just to find that it was full. After 2 bottles and a whopping 10 cents, the machine began to send the bottles back to me, asking me to come another time. I then moved to the paper machine and was greeted with an electronic, "out of service, please visit another center." Well, I had quite the dilemma. But alas, I wasn't about to make the trek back to my apartment full handed, and I wasn't about to throw the items away. So I placed my items on top of the machines, satisfied that it was someone else's problem now and I had no monetary gain to show for it. If that isn't Seattle, I don't know what is.

A New Yorker watching the whole ordeal stated as I left, "You know they will probably just end up throwing that away." I thought to myself, Fuggeaboutit.

Romancing the Phone

2008-07-26T02:37:00.003-04:00

The picture is of a very romantic setting just behind the New York Public Library in Bryant Park. Some time ago, I decided to treat myself to a romantic dinner... alone. The meal was delicious and it allowed me the precious opportunity of eavesdropping. An animated couple sat next to me discussing the plans of a fundraiser and the name George Clooney was uttered among those in attendance. Only in New York...or L.A. :-)

I am cleaning my apartment in Bay Shore because next weekend I will be moving to Brooklyn. A sort of sentimentality always hits you when you are moving. Maybe it's the thought of leaving something behind or the feeling of comfort you developed by being surrounded by familiar places and things. So in this moment I was reminded of leaving Seattle.

People speak of the beauty and despite the rain, they are right. But New York is its own beauty, in different ways. You think of your surroundings, but most of all, you think of your friends and family. In truth, it is always a matter of time. They grow up and start their own lives. So friendships of convenience are tested and only those that truly care about you remain. This is life.

So friendships are maintained over the phone. Some days it seems like this is my only contact with the human race, as I sit reading and writing in my apartment, forgetting there is a world right outside my window. But through the phone, we stay connected. Today I was relieved to hear over the phone that my mother and grandfather are both healthy. There were some concerns. But even through these calls, our emotions are expressed, our triumphs are told, and our concerns are met with a loving voice and listening ear on the other line.

Romancing the phone (if you don't get the reference, please see IMDB.com) is sometimes the only way to stay in touch with the ones you love. And it's the place where you build the deep bonds that we often can't afford in the busyness and chaos of the daily grind. So wherever you are, don't forget to pick up the phone. For me, it has become a bit of a salvation. A way of reaching those that sometimes seem so far away. And until there is someone special across that table from me, we always have the phone.

Running Around the New York "Ditch"

2008-07-24T23:30:00.002-04:00

While going on my run, I thought I would snap a few photos of the area right on the water. The pictures don't tell the whole picture, cause trespassing is a no no, but I think you get the point. The area is beautiful and the houses are amazing. I think I might be able to afford the place in the last picture. This is right next to the canal and is on the estate of a house that makes it look like the kid's playhouse.

So I got to thinking about something I have seen a lot here so far. The New York ditch. So you meet someone and they want you to come out with them. Then, at some point in the evening, they completely disappear. At first it was a little unsettling. But then it seems like the philosophy is that if you are surrounded by people you should be fine. It's just a little weird because when you go out with someone in Seattle, you expect to at least talk to them for a portion of the evening, mainly so you know if you want to ever hang out with them again.

I guess it's something I am going to have to get used to and thanks to the iphone, I will be able to find my way home. Cheers New York.

Things Happen For a Reason

2008-07-24T00:51:00.007-04:00

As I am forced to finish my business plan for class in the late hours of the night and likely continuing into the wee hours of the morning, I flipped on the t.v. to CNN and found the series Black in America. Watch this program. That's it. For a glimpse of what I want to do with a non-profit, here is part of the business plan:

1.01 Purpose. The purpose of Community Building Services is to research policy options to study the causes, the effects, and solutions to eradicate poverty through empowering communities and community-based organizations. CBS will use this research and work with existing community organizations and community members to build communities that reflect the values, culture, and successes of the members.

1.02 Goals. CBS will use a multi-disciplinary approach to include small business formation and business contracts, basic health care analysis and policy advocacy, and arts educations and advocacy. CBS will write policy briefs and articles educating governments, non-governmental organizations, and individuals regarding poverty. CBS will provide resource support to existing non-governmental organizations focused on eradicating poverty. CBS will host educational seminars and one-on-one meetings for community members interested in community building, whether it be through advocacy, forming a small business, increase attention to basic health needs, or expanding arts programs. CBS will increase support over time to cover additional fields including education, government, law and cultural advancement.

Not Terribly Eventful in Bay Shore

2008-07-23T01:07:00.002-04:00

I am busily working on a business plan for my CUNY law class. I am conducting a plan for starting a non-profit that works on policy issues for community building in poverty areas. This is due Thursday. For more information, wait until Thursday as I am a paying member for the procrastinating scholars association.

So I thought I would take a little time to talk about Bay Shore. If you want the Bay Shore chamber of commerce perspective and history thereto, look it up on Wikipedia. My perspective is as follows. Bay Shore is a confused community that hasn't decided if it is a suburb, a summer get-a-away or a retirement community. First problem: isolation. Bay Shore is the 10th stop on the Long Island Rail Road leaving from downtown Manhattan's Penn Station. This takes a little over an hour, if you are lucky enough to happen upon an express train which only has 4 stops. But that's not enough. It is also one-stop past the last stop, which is Babylon, on this line. So you then get to wait for another train that goes out to the Hamptons. Getting to just about anywhere on this train costs $9.50 each way (off-peak) and $14.50 each way (peak).

The closest real source of employment, or a city, is Jamaica Queens, which is about 45 minutes on the express. So trying to determine what people do out here is almost an impossibility. There are a fair number of hospitals in the greater county (Suffolk) and three within 15 minutes of me. One is across the street. This means that I get to hear the sweet sounding chirping of the sirens. Which brings me to a question: when did they change the sirens sound? This is not within my childhood memory.

After determining that I wouldn't be able afford the transportation costs of working anywhere other than Bay Shore, I took a stroll to see if there were any prospects here. What I found was funny and depressing. One block south of my apartment is Main Street. Yes, they have a Main Street. And heading West on Main Street, you find exactly what you expect to find in a Mulberry type town. There is (A) coffee shop. There is a hardware store. There are a few littered attorneys who, of course, specialize in personal injury cases. There are bars (that are crosses between taverns and pubs.) and there are random convenience stores, "specialty" stores, and craft stores.

What was depressing was the number of vacant store fronts on this street. More than half of them are under construction, out of business, or for lease. Heading east on Main, you get a different economic "model." There are 3 strip malls. These consist of your familiar fronts: Chain grocery stores, Blockbuster, independently owned "restaurants," a nail shop, and a dry cleaner. So where does everyone work?

The community is highly segregated. To the South of Main, lay enormous properties with pre-Industrial Revolution houses, though sadly some have been modernized, and boats. This leads me to believe that these may be summer houses or long island get-a-ways. On the north side of Main, near the rail road tracks are mostly minorities with Brooklyn accents. I live in an apartment near the tracks. Most of the residents are families pushed away from the city due to rising costs and gentrification. Yet there are clearly few jobs here that support family wages. This encompasses my community building concerns. Bay Shore neither provides the economic structure for the community nor does it reflect the culture of the community that resides here.

There are many hospitals but how many residents are getting there basic health needs met or even have health care? There are small businesses but the lawyers focus on torts. There are real estate offices, but the real estate consists mostly of million dollar plus estates. Finally there are comparatively few universities considering the large population. Visiting wikipedia and the chamber of commerce, you learn that this town used to thrive. Then crime and economic deterioration drove wealthy residents away. The community is rebuilding but the signs of unity and community building are hidden. Who is doing the building?

Summer Time and the Living is Brooklyn

2008-07-21T23:47:00.005-04:00

I will be moving to Brooklyn soon. I will be living very near Prospect Park and the Park Slope area. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Park_Slope%2C_Brooklyn). The pictures here are Grand Army Plaza and the actual street in front of my apartment. So how did I get here?

I have been casually looking at apartments in Brooklyn for a while now. Most of the ads I responded to were not of the highest quality. For example, I showed up to an ad that said "railroad style- looking for fun roommate." When I got there, the place was a sty, and these two 30-something hippies told me they played in a band but didn't usually play past 4 am. Also being a railroad room, they would need to go through my room to get to the kitchen and bathroom. I said I would get back to them. Another option included sharing a bunk-bed with a 20 year old. I think I may be too old for that.

So I found an ad in a great area asking for a quiet, considerate student. I first came and looked at the apartment 2 weekends ago. When I got outside the apartment, the lister's phone wasn't working and I sighed another, here we go again Craigslist.... While I was waiting, a woman who was running stopped and asked me if I would help her bring up a night stand from the street. It turned out that she would be one of my new roommates. This was Marnie. She is a 29 year old film student at NYU, originally from the D.C. area. She is in her last year of the M.A. graduate program. The other roomie is Yael. She is 29 as well and is originally from France. She moved to California and went to Berkley and then moved to New York. That day, we talked for about 2 hours and I also met the woman moving out who asked if I would help bring down a couch. I could see I was being used...but I needed to make a good impression. Yael called the next day and offered the room. Then she wanted to meet one more time to be sure.

So we met at a little bar about 200 feet from the apartment. The bar is fantastic and I met the owner who is steadily making improvements here and there. It is a jazz/latin style place and has music from time to time and a back porch. Great place to meet. So after a little while talking, it became clear that was going to be a good fit. Yael is going into her 2nd year of law school, I am going into my 3rd so I understand the stress and time she will need to study. Which is great for me. I have a lot of little projects I want to get done and I think this is the perfect neighborhood to get the inspiration I need.

So, the apartment is an old brownstone, on the 4th floor, and I'll try and get pics up after I move in. I have a very small room but it's got a bed, bookcase, air conditioner, and closet so I am set. It feels good to find a place in Brooklyn. I really love it there. Manhattan is so surreal, Brooklyn is just real, manageable. So the adventure continues...moving to a new location.

2nd Month in Review

2008-07-20T16:58:00.006-04:00

There is a candle in your heart, ready to be kindled. There is a void in your soul, ready to be filled. You feel it, don't you?

-Rumi

My mother asked if I would read a book with her, the book, "Three Cups of Tea." After reading a few chapters, I put down the book, and realized things somehow come together. This summer I am taking a class on how to manage your own small law firm. Each of us must complete a personalized business plan and had to work with a guest speaker to conduct a presentation to the class. I chose the topic of a non-profit on the first day of class. As someone who does not want to be a traditional lawyer but wants to use the degree somehow and just plain wants to help people, a number of things started to hit home.

The book is about a mountain climber who, by chance, happens upon a small village in the Himalayas and finds an overwhelming need for help. The children needed to be educated. Alone and broken, literally, this man started an uphill battle but in the end succeeds in grandiose fashion. After a few weeks of class, I had found a goal. I want to start a non-profit while in Grad School. I want to develop policy in poverty stricken areas, nationally and abroad, and work with non-profits who provide direct aid. Then I met the guest speaker I was to present with. She had done exactly what I want to do, in a different focus area, and it all came together. I started to think if I hadn't come to NY this may not have come to me. I wouldn't have taken the class and I wouldn't have read the book. And at this moment things started to look up.

Wenarto urged me to see the production of Viva La Diva, a pop opera show by former Opera great, Dorothy Bishop. Wenarto had met her and the show's director, J. Jensen, via his now, world famous youtubes. After several emails from Wenarto insisting, I agreed. It was a great experience. I met the cast (photo above) and then went a met a friend of a friend who worked as a bartender in the area.

On the way to the bar, I was caught in a thunderstorm and had to find the first umbrella available. When I arrived at the bar, in the W hotel, I was drenched, holding a golf-size, umbrella, and at our introduction I did my best Charlie Chaplin impression to which she laughed. We had about a ten minute conversation over the course of 3 hours, as she had to wait on customers, forming 10 second intervals. In the meantime, I met a fascinating couple, in their 40's, who were originally from Italy and now lived in Michigan, but were here for their son's recital at Carnegie hall. I was relieved to find two people who didn't share a brain and we discussed Italy, NY, cooking and music.

The bartender, Anastasia, invited me to come watch the fireworks for the 4th from the top of her and her friend's art studio at the Brooklyn Naval Shipyard. It was an amazing view and great company. Her art can be found at Anastasiazielinski.com. I had been to Brooklyn for a job interview and fell in love immediately. Although the job turned out to be a 3 hour commute (costing close to $400 a month) from the isolated township of Bay Shore to Long Beach at a kids summer camp. My only other interview was a 2 hour bus ride (with 3 transfers) which I also had to refuse due to travel. I concluded I would not be working until I got out of Bay Shore and I HAD to get a place in Brooklyn.

Class ended and on the last day, we all enjoyed an outing, paid for by our teacher. I was very impressed with the commitment to public service by my CUNY classmates. These students knew far more about the world, and actually cared, than most other law students I had met. This seems to me to be the key to the public service model, not curriculum at a law school.

As the month ends, I am looking for a new apartment in Brooklyn and have one lead which hopefully gets taken care of tomorrow. I am battling with the decision of whether to stay or go back to Seattle, and if so, when? I came to New York to see if I could. To meet new people. To give things a chance. To get away and spend some time in thought. The candle still needs to be lit, the void still needs to be filled, but it's hard to say when and where that will take place.

One final thought. New York City is a cold place so New Yorkers, listen up. I went to a bar and gave a solid attempt to be friendly, engage in conversations, and enjoy myself with a friend from class and his friends, all locals. They laughed at my jokes, asked questions but I kept feeling like something wasn't going right. Then I observed them interacting amongst themselves. They seemed to be suffering from collective A.D.D. No conversation went very long, nor revealed a thing about them or their point of view. As I was talking to one girl, the bartender sneezed and reflexively I said "bless you." Two minutes later, she delivered a beer to me, free of charge, and said, "thanks for looking out for me." Maybe it's the naive Seattleite again but what? Are people so rude, so cold here that a common courtesy gets a reward? I am starting to think so. It's a cold, cold city.

1st Month in Review

2008-07-20T00:05:00.005-04:00

Most men, the herd, have never tasted solitude. They are never alone, they never commune with themselves. But blessed be he who has found his solitude, not the solitude pictured in painting or poetry, but his own, unique, predestined solitude. Blessed be he who knows how to suffer. To him comes destiny, from him comes authentic action.

Herman Hesse

When I first came to New York, in the moment when I looked around my apartment, and out the window at the Union sign, highlighted in white against the blue background, I realized I was alone. I didn't know a single soul. There was no one I could call for a coffee, a beer, or for a brief word.

On the flight from Seattle, I was destined for Baltimore, Maryland, to stay with a friend for a few days and soak in the new adventure that lay before me. On this flight, I sat next to a nurse from Washington D.C., who was politically active and we discussed politics for nearly 3 hours. I landed fully energized and anxious for what lay before me. Driving into the city I felt this same sense of energy. My first taste of the city came in the form of a romantic dinner in a dimly lit Italian restaurant, exchanging in broken Italian, with a good friend. We then went to a comedy show in the village which was New York.

But following the comfort of a friend in a big city, I was left with the reality that I was an hour away, in a small town, without a friend. At first, I wrestled with the excitement of being in a new place, wondering what was in store for me, and this feeling of isolation. For those first few days I wandered around the township of Bay Shore, trying to get a feel for the place I would call home for a couple of months. As I took inventory I noted the Blockbuster, the Stop-n-Shop, and the gas station with a man, Ahmed, that would greet me every time I walked by with a "hey Jason...see I have a good memory."

Soon after, my class at the law school began downtown Manhattan in the Graduate School building across from the Empire State Building and just blocks from the New York Public Library. My first friend came by way of an email from a girl who was interested in me because "I was the only other student without a CUNY email." I agreed to meet up with her the following Sunday and she was to show me the sights. I had asked to see Central Park and after a mere 15 minutes walking, she complained of the heat and asked that we sit down. She began a rather boring monologue about herself, namely her status as a Georgetown Law student, her posh internship at a major firm, and her story of her family. Shortly after, she asked that we get drinks. To that point, I had seen all but 15 square feet of the park.

After drinks at a couple of lackluster joints, she was fairly intoxicated and made a rather crude sexual advance followed by a worse question. I rudely bid her goodnight and made my way back to the train for the hour ride back home to Bay Shore. On the train I wondered what had happened. Was I just a naive kid from a way too laid back Seattle? Was this what I was to expect? Later that week I made friends with a guy from class and asked if he wanted to watch the basketball finals at a bar. He said yes and took me to the equivalent of Beltown in Seattle, where "greek row" meets the "meat market." Watching this 22 year old and his friends gather phone numbers, I felt old. I remembered those days, what seemed like ages ago and took a seat and watched the game. A number of young ladies came up and after about 3 minutes each asked for my number to which I declined. I was wondering how anyone could be this forward, or this desperate, asking but not knowing the slightest thing about me. I went out with him the following week to similar bars and after another disappointing night, I decided this wasn't for me.

I then dedicated myself to trying things out alone. Although my friends back home encouraged me to meet people, I felt I would meet the right people at places I wanted to be. I knew I had not come to NY to party. Later that month I visited the New York Public Library and Bryant Park. To be honest, I liked the feel of the library but was disappointed to find most of the rooms locked for private reservations, security guards constantly asking to see my bag, and the wonderfully boring sight of clouds on the top floor ceiling mural. I looked out the window and saw a skyscraper being built next to a 5 story scaffolded relic. Maybe I had come too late.

Bryant Park was a different experience. Behind the library was an urban oasis. A beautiful park with outdoor seating, a merry-go-round, a theater and a cafe. Sadly the cafe was mostly littered with yuppies coming for happy hour. But in the corner, sat an array of characters, listening to a folk singer bang out tunes in the garden, an event that happens daily. A little bit of the New York I had romanticized came out that day and encouraged me to press on.

After month 1, I had made only two friends, lived in a broken down suburb, had not heard back from a single employment possibility, and was suffering from heartbreak of numerous causes. But something kept me fighting on. It may have been that every time I came out of Penn Station I felt a rush of energy. It may have been that I had not seen all that I could see yet. It may have been friends and family from home reminding me to be patient. But mostly it was because that I had been wrong. I had assumed that things would come easily. I had assumed I could not be disappointed. I assumed I would not be alone. When I read Hesse's words, I realized it was ok to be wrong. But now I must embrace the choice. I had left Seattle behind. I had come on an adventure. And words of wisdom from my childhood came back to me. "It's hard to grow alone. But that's when you have to grow."

So It Begins With a Visitor

2008-07-18T17:02:00.001-04:00

A good friend came to New York yesterday and asked if I would come with her and her 19 month old son to the NY Children's Museum. Instantly, I went from "newbie" to "tour guide." Beginning with the arduous process of finding her in Penn Station, the only place in New York where I feel mildly comfortable getting around, to getting around the city by foot and stroller (over 6 miles), to entertaining a toddler in a chaotically run "museum," and ending with a beer back in Penn Station, sitting in exhausted awe of the beer man who seemed to be making approximately $10 a minute handing tall boys out to white, white-collared, business men. I wasn't the best tour guide but I was a lot cheaper.

After talking with her over the refreshingly cold beer, she suggested I start a blog about being a new "New Yorker". Truth be told, it is a good idea. At the very least, it is a good way to describe the oddities of New York, of which there are many, to friends, family, and the ubiquitous "other" that may come across the blog that have never been here. So here's the intro: the most common question I have gotten since I got here is, "Why are you here?" Surprisingly, at least to me, there have only been a few, rare instances where that question is followed by, "how do you like it?"

Let me start with why I am here. A friend joked that I had taken Senator Obama too seriously when he said it was time for a change. All jokes aside, there are a lot of reasons, mostly romantic and lofty but, first off, I was about to turn 27. Not necessarily old by any standard, except by the 22 year olds I have been out to the bars with, but an age where you look at your life and decide where to go with it. I am going into my 3rd year of law school and am not just unhappy with that choice, I am disappointed and needed a fresh start. So I decided what I really want out of life is to be a Political Science professor and will have to attend graduate school, which will be on the east coast, so why not come and see if I can handle it first? By popular opinion, it was more logical to finish my law degree first so I took advantage of the opportunities to study away.

I am also single and was pretty much fed up with that life in Seattle. Don't get me wrong, Seattle had many endearing qualities (which I will no doubt recount when talking about NY) but I needed to get out before I felt like I was locked in. So I am a visiting student at City University of New York Law School, the first solely Public Interest law school in the country, and in most respects the model that Seattle University follows. Despite the logical reasons, the biggest motivator was to begin an adventure, to take a journey into what I can do and to push myself. I hope that while that is a serious endeavor, this blog shows that I don't actually take myself that seriously. When I think about it, I probably wouldn't be here if I did.

So really I am in NY to see what happens. Answering the second question is more difficult because it takes time. But I hope both the first question and the second come out in these blog entries as an answer. I predict now that it will not be coherent. But such is life.

The layout will be quite simple and will of course include a gimmick. For the gimmick, I will lure you here with a picture of the day. It will have been taken by me and will correspond with whatever seems relevant from that day's entry. On Saturday and Sunday, I will re-cap anything that I may have missed in the daily entries and this weekend I will try and catch you up on the last two months- my first impressions here.

I begin with the assumption that only my mother and the voice whom inspired me will read this. That said, I intend to entertain you and encourage feedback. I was told not to do this unless I was ready and willing to open up. I shall do my best. If anything this can simply be documentation that a guy from Seattle went to NY. Maybe one day I will look back and remember what it was like.