Spanglish

I don't like to self-gloss, however, this is one instance where I think it's appropriate. I found a place to live in Manhattan, less than 24 hours after I got off the plane. I'm impressed, however, I'm much more grateful than anything.

Before I continue, if you haven't read my last blog, please do so: www.blogspot.com/thelifeofbrian-ny-atl. I think that's the link. If not, I'll edit it. Again, I'm really good at getting off the subject. I gave thanks to a bunch of my friends in the last blog, and if I left you out, I sincerely apologize. I got home late, and woke up later and still had to pack. It's a lame excuse, however, I'll make it up to you if you weren't mentioned, because I do want to take the time to thank you all personally. However, this blog is called "Spanglish," and we need to get the show on the road...

If you've never used craigslist, it's a great way to find...well, anything, really. It's become a great place to find a roommate. While Helen was in a meeting today, I was setting up appointments to look at apartments, and getting lost and finding my way, all at the same time. FYI, New York is very daunting. It's a concrete jungle, and it's crazy, but don't let the city own you. Don't let anything own you for that matter. Anyway, I set up a 3:00pm meeting to see an apartment at 165th and Broadway. It's about 20 blocks north of my friend Helen Abell and 10 blocks north of my new friend Sheena. Basically, it's in Washington Heights near Columbia University, across from the University hospital and above a Wendy's (great, just what I need, to live above the Home of the Baconator and the Stack Attack). Also, right on the A and 1 lines. My first impression when we got off the subway was, "wow, I kind of like the area." I got a really good vibe. So, the three of us venture up to the apartment on the 6th floor. A small woman who speaks primarily Spanish answers the door. She shows me the apartment, and tells me her daughter is on the way (she speaks English). So we go over everything, and here's the deal: $700, all utilities included, no deposit, rent month to month, and fully furnished. Yes, internet is included as is cable. I told her I needed to think about it (obviously not too long!), and went and checked out one more. I just got such a good vibe from the first place, I made my decision after seeing the second one. I paid my first month's rent, got a receipt, and I'm in on Tuesday. So, if you're keeping score at home, my new roommate will be a 60 year old woman who speaks primarily Spanish. We're the new freaking Odd Couple!!!

I can't tell you how relieved I am. It's kind of like when Luke Skywalker went back to Dagobah in "Return of the Jedi" to complete his training, and he realized that he truly was a Jedi all along. He always had it in him. This week, I'm going to start job hunting down on restaurant row. I'm so grateful to my friend Helen for letting me crash on her couch. If you ever stayed with a friend at their place, the last thing you want is a "You, Me, and Dupree" situation (by the way, Stack what did you think of it? I don't need to see it to know it's terrible, but I'd like your thoughts as well). I'm kidding, of course. Man, I miss the troupe already. I know they had to have had a killer show tonight. I may call Matt and have him put me on speaker phone whilst the gang is at Taco Mac.

That's all for now gang. I'm looking forward to improving my Spanglish...