I'm Transitioning

HA! I knew that would get your attention!
I guess I'm going to have to change the name of this blog now that I am Normino in New York City. Or Normino in Brooklyn. Or, more specifically, Normino in BedStuy, if you want to be specific. Although we don't intend to be in BedStuy very long, so no use changing the name just yet.
I arrived at 5:58 am yesterday morning to our sublet after having instructed my cabbie how to get here (to a place I had never been). There are some things about getting older that I do appreciate. The fact that I take charge more than I used to and don't always just allow others to take the reins. My cabbie seemed to have no idea how to get to my sublet. I had to GPS it for him on my phone; and, even then, he almost exited the expressway too early and I had to tell him "Next one!" before he did. I was vigilant, and, consequently, had a very cheap ride from JFK. He also drove like a Buenos Aires cab driver so I saw my life flash a few times.
In a very short time, I arrived here-->

The one on the left.

I have never lived in a brownstone, so it's pretty cool. We are renting the garden apartment which is the one on the street level. The first floor would be up the steps. Oftentimes, the steps (or "the stoop" for us locals) are used for sitting, visiting with friends or, on occasion, asking passersby to zip you up, as one lady did to Tommy when he was walking Godzilla).
We enter using the iron gate here under the stoop-->

Then we walk through a hallway and enter our private apartment. We have a pretty bomb kitchen-->

And, the piece de resistance-->

Our own private patio and garden. Godzilla is finally using the garden to poop. It took him a while because I think he thought the garden was still part of the house and he had to wait for a walk to go potty. He's so sophisticated. He also likes to go insane whenever squirrels are running across the telephone wires from tree to tree.
So we are pretty fortunate to have a nice place to call home until we find a more permanent place to call home. Tommy found this pad. Nice work, babe!
Backing up a bit, prior to arriving in NY yesterday, I was in Portland, staying in a borrowed condo, performing in The Music Man at the Broadway Rose. It was a great show, and I am glad I got to be a part of it. During that time, I occupied my days eating and drinking my way through Portland and seeing friends before the big move. By my last day there, I felt ready. I had said my goodbyes, consumed entirely more calories than was healthy, and I had even sold my little Ford Escort that has been with me for NINE years!
The flight to NY was a bit bumpy, thanks to some storms happening in the northern states. Every time the plane hit a pocket, my heart would race and I'd stop breathing. This happened quite a bit so it wasn't a very restful flight. But the pilots were sober ( I assume), and we landed safely in NY where I got in the cab and told the guy where to go.
Yesterday, Tommy went into the city (that means Manhattan for you Westerners!) to see some clients, and I explored a little locally. We are four blocks from the C line of the subway which goes all the way from Washington Heights, down through Manhattan, into Brooklyn and almost to JFK. That's a long way. I took it just a few stops to go to Office Max which I discovered is right across the street from Barclays Center, a huge venue that hosts the New York Nets along with various other events. I thought, since it's so close, I would get us tickets for an upcoming event. The two things happening this month are Katy Perry and Cirque du Soleil with minimum ticket prices of $179.50 and $200 respectively, so that's not happening. I never thought I'd say this, but it's cheaper to see a Broadway show!
For dinner, Tommy took us to a FABULOUS place around the corner called Saraghina which made me feel right at home as it is fancy pizza and other delicious dishes, along with creative cocktails, all served up by handsome men. It reminded me of our first night in Portland at Caffe Mingo. We also paid a visit to our local pet food store which is also right around the corner, called "Who's Your Doggie?". The woman running it was very nice, and we were able to stock up on food and treats for G. I have to say that all of the people with whom our paths have crossed have been very pleasant. This is a nice neighborhood. While it isn't quite as walkable as The Pearl, it also is not full of tweakers and crazy homeless people. And when the people you meet on the street talk to you, they actually seem civil and intelligent as opposed to, say, high on meth. So there's that.
Today, Tommy has several appointments in Manhattan, so it's just me and G hanging out. Of course I want to get out and explore, but I am lying low because I somehow injured my left foot last weekend (I'm sure it was the Shipoopi which should really only be performed by excellent trained dancers), and yesterday it kept flaring up while I was gallivanting. So, today, I am keeping it elevated and occasionally iced while drinking coffee and reading Jonathan Tropper's This Is Where I Leave You. I like his writing. It reminds me of how I think I would write if I wrote and could get it published. Just like Colin Firth reminds me of how I think I could act if I could act and be in the movies. And was British. And stunningly handsome.
Speaking of acting--Yes, I still plan on doing so, to the extent I can in this city of a billion actors. There are scads of auditions happening every day it seems. I would love to be attending some today, but I think it best to take care of my body first. It is, after all, a temple. So that's my boring story today. But I figure I will not be bored for long in this incredible city. I do miss Portland already. We have an amazing network of friends there, and it's an incredible place; but we always wanted to have the NY adventure, and I am excited that we have the chance to do it.
I will try to be more diligent about blogging than I was in Portland. But we'll see. You know how it goes. Life, stuff, I lack self-discipline.
Oh, I almost forgot-the weather here. It was quite warm yesterday. I think it topped out at 89 degrees and probably 89% humidity. As the local weatherman stated, it was a "high discomfort day." But then we got some rain last night into this morning, and today it is just lovely. A little cloud cover and a cool breeze. I am sure it will remain just like this until fall.