New York: Day 1

I arrived in New York at 3:25pm (eastern time) on July 16, 2012.

The weather is wonderful. It's hot, and the wind is warm. The humidity is dry though. Not that moist crap that Seattle has had lately. My Aunt and my two cousins (the youngest and the eldest) picked me up from the impossibly big JFK International Airport. The traffic wasn't horrible, it didn't take very long to get back to Brooklyn. We stopped at the grocery store (FoodTown) and picked up some foodstuffs. I purchased mostly snacks and spent $55.00. I did buy a lot of easy to make things like oatmeal, ramen noodles, and boil-in-bag pasta. It was all relatively cheap. The twelve mile drive, straight through wouldn't have taken longer than half an hour. But because of our stops, it was about two hours until we arrived at the petite apartment. (I'll take pictures and post them later) the outside of the complex is unassuming. the gate is a fading green, the porch steps are short and sweet. The apartment is on the second floor, and the quarters are tight.

But my family is accommodating and friendly. They bombarded me with questions and we chatted happily for quite some time. FoodTown is a straight walk down the street, no turns or anything. And my bank is within equal reach. There is a "corner store" (the equivalent of a 7/11 or AmPm without the gas pumps) in the opposite direction. So, if you were to come out of the apartment and face the street, FoodTown, the laundry mat, my bank, and a small park would be to your right. To your left, is a corner store. I haven't really explored the left side of the street yet, but maybe I will tomorrow. It's supposed to be 95 degrees tomorrow according to the news. But it could also be lower. We're expecting thunderstorms sporadically throughout the week. Ha, I guess I've arrived right before a heat wave. After this Wednesday its supposed to drop back down into the eighties. Like that's cool, or something.

At the moment, 9:35pm in New York, and 6:36pm in Seattle, I'm watching my family and extended family play Just Dance 3 (Wii version) in our cramped living room. My cousin (11) and my...hmm...we'll call him my half cousin (3) are doing pretty well. My cousin is a little mother, doting and instructing the little boy with the eyes of a hawk. His mother is braiding my aunts hair. My other aunt is playing with them, sort of.

I have to note, that it is customary to remove one's outer "street clothes" upon getting into the apartment. So everyone is in their underclothes or sleepwear. Everyone. Except me. I don't know if I'm quite that comfortable yet to waltz around this apartment in only my underwear and a t-shirt. Since three boys ranging from 13 to 25 live here, I don't think I'll be doing it at all. Luckily, I did bring a lot of light clothing to wear. I'm still in the clothes I arrived in though, I decided to chill for a while before changing. Of course, I'm sweating and its ridiculously hot out, but that's fine. As the night takes over it supposed to drop to 71 degrees! Haha, a record. I'm kidding, of course.

Anyway, as I sit here, sipping my Snapple (peach tea), reflecting on my day I am reminded of my Sweetness back home. My poor little candy piece, left alone to fend for herself. And my mom, whom has never sent me off before. My Pooka, and Nightmare. I miss them all already. But I have 31 more days. I don't know if I will recall everyday, but if Sweetness reminds me, I might.

Rest easy this night, my loves. And know that I think of you all. In my journey to discover the unknown about myself, know that all of you are in my considerations and meditations. You will be in my dreams.

As a final note, you should know that the subway is about 60ft from this apartment, and it runs all night. Wherever you are, I hope it is quiet.

TWMA,

Sacred Secret

P.S: Six people in a living room the size of a large bathroom, in 80 degree weather makes for a VERY warm atmosphere.