Farewell NYC!

Hello Avid Reader! I'm writing from Seattle as I landed yesterday after one of craziest mornings ever. Given that I'm in internet-free temp housing for a week or so, I've been remiss in updates that I've so wanted to get to you.

My last night in Manhattan ended right where it started: at Cilantro with Gary Little. Fajita Monday was a hit to start my stay in New York, so it was fitting that we went out in a blaze of chicken, steak or shrimp and margarita pitchers. After dinner (and drinking!), we made it back to the Little's in the name of more adult beverages and laughs over Napoleon Dynamite. Needless to say, we accomplished both.

I made it home by 2:30 and was rudely awoken by the Driver hired to take me to the airport! Yes, Avid Reader, my alarm was set for 4:30AM and he was scheduled to pick me up at 5:30. At 5:50AM, however, I was still sound asleep and only his 20 minutes of buzzing on my door (and me thinking someone was pranking me!) led me to A) a state of awakenness and awareness enough to know that I was SCREWED!

I made it to the car by 6:15AM after running through my apartment, doing any last minute packing, and trying to bring myself to do so while not puking. I did say I wanted to rip the band-aid right off relative to leaving NYC... and boy, did I ever!

My final ride through Central Park and down the West side of Manhattan was an emotional one... surely added to by several nights of no sleep, way to much tequila, and the crazy morning. I still can't believe I'm typing from Seattle with no plan to be back "home" in New York in the coming weeks... or even months.

Thank you for being a part of my journey, Avid Reader. This may be the final entry is this blog, unless I want to consider my Manhattan adventure closed. I have appreciated being able to tell stories and have a reader who's interesting in the tale!

58 Minutes

Yep, that's all it took from the minute my door was buzzed this morning until the movers made their way out of my apartment with signed paperwork in hand. That included assessing the apartment, packing, moving, loading, and going over the documentation for the move. Less than an hour. What's the lesson here? I will never move myself again. Professionals are the way to go! (As a parting gift, one of the movers actually clogged the toilet, so part of my cleaning regiment today included the purchase of a brand spanking new plunger! Good times!)

It's now just past 6PM -- the temperature didn't rise above 14 degrees today -- and I'm ready to be whisked to the airport in the morning. The apartment is sparkling; the bags are packed; let's kiss this City goodbye!

10.5 Hour Countdown!

It's 12:30 Sunday night (Monday morning). The movers come in less than 11 hours. I'll continue to say it, THIS IS CRAZY!

I enjoyed a few final things today, including breakfast at The New Amity Cafe, a pit stop at work to drop off my badge, and a trek through Grand Central and the Transit Museum for a few souvenirs for home. I met Gary for New Amity Round II this afternoon, did some organization at home, then enjoyed the SuperBowl at his place. I'm finishing up some packing tonight and hitting the hay soon.

I've got a knot in my stomach about all of this; I just need time to pass and have me on my way! No drawn out transitions for this guy right here!

Goings On? Going Out!

Avid Reader, I realize that as you've been reading this blog over the course of the year that you might be getting the impression that I'm some kind of heavy drinker -- at best -- or CrAzY party animal, at worst. This entry will not serve to change your opinion. I've had a couple of late nights this week, including a casual outing with new friends as well as a bit of a Todd Leaving Manhattan get-together.

I joined Colleen, Craig and Natasha at his SoHo apartment for adventures on his rooftop and a quick jaunt to Mr.Black's Dance Den. We snapped some fun shots on the roof, trying to capture the view of the Empire State Building. We also had a bit of a photo shoot inside before we went to Mr. Black's. The place was a fun, diverse, nearby music/dance venue a stone's throw from Craig's place. We cabbed.

We enjoyed an adult beverages, danced, laughed, shot more photos, and just had fun being part of an evening adventure in the City. We met a number of local characters, including Fag Lady, and a posse of fun people. As we tried to get a group shot, I told Natasha to slide over... to what turned out to be a non-existent bench; I still can't stop laughing about it!

For my unofficial going away party, I sent out an email to friends at work and around NYC for a casual hang-out at my favorite: the Brooklyn Brewery in Williamsburg. Several worlds collided, with friends from DRIVE, AARF, volleyball, and even a now former client. Everyone had a great time and I was thrilled to hit the Brewery one last time.

Daniela, Deniz and I then visited several photo opportunity spots (though note the re-brick work!) and MyMoon -- my NYC favorite! Turns out MyMoon (though MyMun, is turkish for "monkey") and with Deniz being Turkish, we were in for a TREAT! Deniz may have even been more thrilled with MyMoon that I always am (!) and we chatted with the owner who ended up treating us to drinks/dessert. As we left, Deniz said, "Todd, as you'd say in the states, that was a homerun." I'm thankful to yet again have introduced MyMoon to friends and to have them as excited about that place as I am.

Before we decided to trek back in to the city, I made one final stop at Fornino where friend Clifton manages (and where friend Mindy formerly managed). I wanted to be sure to say goodbye in person and was in for yet another treat! While Deniz and Daniela headed back to Manhattan, I joined Clifton for a nearby party... with the band Nada Surf at their Brooklyn loft/studio! Formerly introduced to Nada Surf by friends Charles and Mike, last night I literally shook the hands of and toasted drinks with bandmates Ira Elliot and Daniel Lorca. Chill guys altogether -- it's nice to go out with some serious Celebrity Skin-Touches!

The rest of the weekend is going to be spent wrapping up loose ends and preparing for the move come Monday. Wow, this really is the end!