When we first made the decision to move, Corbin made it very clear to me that he felt the opportunity for his work should take precedence over the place we would be living. In other words, if he found a really awesome job opportunity in a place like Little Rock Arkansas, we would go. I nodded my head when he said, "We can be happy anywhere". Lucky for me, we ended up moving to NYC. It doesn't take too much work to be happy here. Let me share a bit of our new lives:
1.) It is really great having a Doorman. The importance of whether or not to have a doorman was discussed many times as we searched the city for a new home. We chose wisely. We have 3 doorman that rotate shifts. There duties range from screening our visitors, announcing our deliveries, collecting our packages and dry cleaning to playing with our kids (yes, I have sent the kids down to the doorman, Clyde, when I need a break!). These men are genuinely happy to see us come and go. A new friend (introduced to me by the doorman) told me with a laugh that I need to work on toughening my hard NYC outer shell. As a girl from a small friendly ski town, I seem to smile at everyone on the street or the guys who make deliveries to our apartment, and I usually announce to the doorman where I am going and when I will be back. I don't think keeping tabs on my day is part of their job. LOL. This is a picture of Hannah and Clyde.
2.) City Apartment Living gets an A. The amount of effort we were putting into trash and recycling in Crested Butte has been dramatically reduced. Now, taking out the trash is extremely exciting for the kids and has even been added to the chore chart for a quick and easy star. Our kitchen trash can is so small, it might be taken out 2 or 3 times on a busy day. The kids take it to small a trash/recycling room directly next door to our front door and listen to it drop 13 floors to the basement. This is sheer excitement for a 4 1/2 year old boy who is obsessed with garbage and recycling trucks. I have no idea which day is garbage day. There was a time when Corbin would load my car up with months worth of recycling for me to take to Gunnison. My car smelled like beer for the whole day. And of course we tried everything to ease the burden of hauling heavy trashcans to the bottom of our driveway, including balancing the trashcans on the back of Corbin's BMW. No bears to contend with here, either, just bums who sift through the cans on each corner. But they aren't bothering me.
Believe it or not, living in an apartment reminds me a little bit of living in a dorm at the College of Charleston. Although, this is an expensive dorm. The doorman being our RA and the neighbors being our hall mates. Sometimes we congregate in the hall with our neighbors, Peter and Dante. Dante really loves our dog, Bella. Here and there, we will invite each other over, meet each other's friends, and even on rare occasions ask a favor. None of the apartments have exactly the same layout, but all of the finishes and fixtures are identical. Very dorm-like. And just call the Super if there are any problems. What a concept to a guy like Corbin.
The only downside to our new home is riding the elevator 13 floors to take the dog out. Coming from a front door leap to 3.4 of her own acres in a clean mountain atmosphere is quite a hard pill to swallow for Bella. And not to mention the convenience for me! She is doing her best having to be inside so much. We are no longer living on a dirt parcel of land, but here, the rain produces a black filth that sticks to her white legs and stomach. I guess you just can't win sometimes.
I also love the fact that my husband decided to get more organized. I am not sure if it is 10 years of my rubbing off on him or because we are squeezing as much as we possibly can into a tiny apartment. Whatever it is, I'll take it!
Our terrace is really cool. We have even been able to enjoy it a few days this winter. It is totally sun drenched mid-day.
3.) The Diversity is fascinating. I find this very interesting: while Crested Butte is a totally unique place in itself, its inhabitants' lifestyles are not very unique from another. Of course our individual personalities are unique to begin with, but in CB, there are not as many opportunities for us to portray such diverse talents, hobbies, or occupations. Everyday, I am amazed to find someone is a singer, a fashion designer, or head of marketing for a large cosmetic company. I also love the diversity of the kids' schools. Hannah is definitely the minority in her class. The teacher is great, and it is a very safe place for her to be with amazing extra-curricular opportunities. Samuel's school is not too different in size from Paradise Preschool. He will join Hannah at the Public School for Kindergarten next year. This school is also within walking distance from our apartment.
4.) Grocery shopping is easy. Trader Joe's and Whole Foods are within 2 blocks of our apartment. You can also have anything delivered at anytime (for an arm and a leg, of course).
5.) Restaurants everywhere. No need to meal plan! Whatever you are in the mood for is just around the next corner. Even Raw Food prepared to go!
6.) Year Round Farmer's market that operates 4 days a week, all year round. Believe it or not, the Union Square Green Market is not any more expensive than the Crested Butte Farmer's Market. Finally, something I can find comparative pricing in. These markets are ridiculously priced but I have come up with a concept that makes it all worthwhile. Really, shopping at the green market or farmer's market is no different that enjoying a beer for $10 at a Four Seasons Hotel. You are not just paying for your beer, but also for the experience. The ambiance is fabulous, the service is impeccable, and the drink is perfect. From the moment it is opened by a world class server to the moment it is taken away with a satisfying sweep and wipe of any condensation left on the table, it is worth every penny. At the green market, the produce is so beautiful and the local vendors are so proud. I have found it works to go to the green market with a small list and a small amount of cash so you don't over do it.
It's all really great. We are satisfied and confident in our move. We do miss Crested Butte and our friends everyday. As I right this, I am sitting below a picture we had Adam Freed paint of our house on a perfect CB summer day. We are proud to look at it and show it to our visitors. It is a bit of our history painted so perfectly.
One last photo for now ~ Hannah and Samuel at Times Sq. Yes, we are really living in NYC!
