The Sullivans Take Manhattan: Part One

Well, we did it. After too many days of making the statement "we are NEVER going to find an apartment" and hours spent browsing apartment listings only to call brokers and find out that apartment is "already taken" or "we need someone April 15, or May 1, or immediately," the universe has finally decided to grant us a perfect little apartment on the Upper West Side.

And by perfect I mean, tolerable. There is about one foot of kitchen counter space, no dishwasher, and it is small. Small as in we cannot take our bed frame or desk with us. BUT it's the perfect location, the kitchen and bathrooms were recently updated, and there is a cute little patio in the back, which is a dream come true for me. Imagine sitting outside having a glass of wine on a summer night and growing herbs and being able to test the temperature without needing to awkwardly stick your neck out the window. Amazing.

Despite living here for almost three years, I  am still surprised by just how much a person can pay for a tiny bit of space in New York City. Of course, to accept this apartment we had to go to the upper upper limit of what we had decided was reasonable rent on our budget. I can't say how much that is, because it would shock and horrify my mother. We are just sticking to the happy thought that being nestled between Riverside Park, Trader Joes, and Central Park, with a Shake Shack within walking distance, will be well worth it.

Now comes the fun part, which is decorating! This small apartment is obviously a challenge in maximizing space and creating space where there is none. Right now my brain is living in a world of drawers under the bed and counters that flip down when you don't need them. Small apartments appeal to me, because I don't like collecting too many things. Sean and I are both excited about the potential moving offers to clean out some of our junk and only take with us what we really want and need.

I am a bit sad to be leaving our apartment in Astoria. We love this neighborhood and this will always be our first home. But it's time for a change of scenery and a new adventure. Onwards and upwards as they say.

Chicago to NYC to San Francisco

In the past three weeks I have been busy frequenting airports as I often find myself doing in the spring. In late March we took a quick trip to Chicago to spend the weekend with family. It was COLD but sunny and we were able to walk through Millenium and Grant Park, go shopping, and have some delicious meals. We also visited the Field Museum, and Art Institute. Jack was a big fan of the pool at the hotel and jumping on the bed, as two year olds often are.

Then we spent a busy easter weekend at home. I found my way into a few social engagements and we tried a speciality cocktail bar/speakeasy in Long Island City which is right next door to our neighborhood but we hardly ever venture there.

On Tuesday I left for a work trip to San Francisco. I have never been to California (can you believe it?!) and was excited to see a bit of the city. I stayed downtown for four nights, and while I was kept quite busy with work, the weather was nice and I enjoyed walking to the Ferry building, seeing the Bay Bridge, and sipping a glass of wine outside in Union Square. I want to go back and visit with Sean. Wine tasting in Napa Valley is also a must sometime in the near future!

I do love to travel, but after getting home at 1:00 a.m. last night and apartment hunting today, I am ready to be home for a while!