Lead Me Not Into Penn Station

It's slowly starting to sink in that I'm not here on a visit. I finally got some sleep last night, although am still feeling kinda' beaten up. For one, I'm just not adjusted to the time change as of yet, so I'm a few hours late on everything.

I was somewhat productive yesterday, getting more done than anticipated. I left thinking I'd "just grab lunch, run a quick errand, and rest up", only to return to my flat over 10 hours later. I headed off to Penn Station (Herald Square), did some necessity shopping (Macy's for a light spring jacket that actually fits, a cute even lighter sweatshirt, irresistable on sale), some full-size toiletries to replace the travel sizes brought with me, a few other necessities), had lunch, then went to visit my friend in the hospital. He'd had surgery the day before and wasn't released yesterday as originally anticipated. It felt good to be able to rescue him with a few basics (toothbrush, toothpaste, etc) and spare him of hospital meatloaf by bringing real food :) I didn't get back to Brooklyn until after 10, although I'd have sworn it was only about 8pm.

It's been a while since I braved the Herald Sq. Macy's. For those who've never seen it beyond "Miracle on 34th Street" footage, it's pretty huge. They even have a visitor's center for those who are new (and old) and get lost. Well, I forgot where that was exactly, so I went off on a wild goose chase, thinking it'd be obvious when I found it. Oh, right, there are two buildings. You can guess in which one I wasn't. After combing the first 7 floors of the first building, then making my way halfway down again, I located an elusive directory and managed to find my way to the neighboring building, working my way back to the top floor. I'm always somewhat mesmerized by the old, wooden escalators. I have no idea how anyone wears spike heels on that thing without ending up being killed from having been sucked into the steps as they disappear into the ground.

Another of my shopping challenges was the reminder that I'm in a place that has actual seasons. So, of course, jackets were sparse (although on clearance for those I did find), despite the fact it was below 50 degrees all day. It's going to take some getting used to that I have to anticipate certain key clothing a season ahead. My skin is appearing to like the weather here, though. I'll enjoy it while I can before summer hits, which will probably be sooner than later, considering the weird weather this year.

I like my temporary neighborhood so far. I felt perfectly safe walking back from the subway last night. It's a rough area, but akin to where I grew up. I stopped off for a bit of food for myself and got a little chatty with the other guy who walked in to order while I was waiting for my food. It felt so welcoming as he even raced to get the door on my way out (granted, my hands were kinda' full). It's the little things that can count on large levels. I wouldn't want to settle out here, being soooooooo far removed, but there does seem to be a strong sense of community here. I wouldn't be opposed to Brooklyn somewhere down the line, but I'd look to being much closer to Manhattan. It's about an hour to midtown from here (via subway).

I'm trying not to push myself this week. I have a few errands to run in Manhattan this afternoon (set up a mailbox, etc), but I think I deserve a few days to slow down and let everything sink in. My body and brain are both pretty tapped from the last couple weeks.