The movers arrived bright and early at 8:00 am as promised and delivered everything without an issues. Then came the tedious job of unpacking. Luckily we were accompanied by by mom, brother and his wife. Initially we thought that my mom would watch James and the 4 of us would unpack. Instead the boys went to get groceries since we had no food and my sister-in-law (SIL) watched James as my mom and I tackled the kitchen. This worked out really well and once the boys returned they watched James as my SIL joined us in the kitchen. We made so much headway that we nearly finished unpacking that area.
The next day we continued unpacking and we had the news playing in the background urging everyone to exercise caution about Hurricane Sandy. As typical NYers we didn't feel that there would be any major issues as it was a cat 1 and Adit and I endured a higher cat in Halifax from hurricane Juan. Nevertheless we had James and my mom with us so we didn't want to take any chances so we stocked up on some food and water.
On Monday I had grand plans of setting up James room. His crib and change table were there, but everything else was in boxes. It was a huge task, but my mom and I did most of it and we finished about an hour before the power went out. Although I knew the storm was coming, we heard reports that it would be around 6:30, however our power was out at 4:30. We felt totally ripped off. Lol!
We still had some daylight, running water, and a working gas stove so we went along with our day thinking that the power would return soon. At around 6:30 we realized that it wasn't coming back as the rain and wind both picked up. We also felt the cold creep in. We saw the once vertical rain drops change to horizontal and the large stationary trees sway vigorously back and forth. We were worried that a tree would fall in on us so we decided to all sleep downstairs in case we had to leave suddenly. As an additional precaution I packed an overnight bag for James, and had our shoes and coats handy for a quick get away. We are staying in a town home so I was paranoid of a fire that could quickly spread from one home to another. I guess it's my underwriting background, however I rather be prepared.
So it was around 9pm and we were bored out of our minds. James was asleep so we decided to head to bed too in hopes we'd sleep through this storm. I had a difficult time as it was freezing and I couldn't stop watching the trees for fear they might hit us or look at the amazing blue sky lit up by lightening. My fears were heightened when we heard some cracking and booms from falling trees. I tossed and turned all night as sleeping on the floor is uncomfortable and I wanted to make sure James was warm. After a few hours the winds and rain subsided and I was able to sleep until about 6 am.
When we woke up we looked at the trees in the yard and saw there were about 3 down. The front wasn't bad as there aren't many trees there. Adit decided to take a drive to survey the damage. He said that there were a lot of trees down and power was out in most of the area. As it was cold at home and we only had a few candles so we decided it was time to jump ship and head to Manhattan.
We called my brother who said that they didn't lose power so we assumed that my mom's apartment didn't either. We needed to find a way in where the roads weren't flooded, Adit charted a route through the cleared roadways which took us through the Lincoln Tunnel. We made it though with no issues and even found parking a free parking spot on my mom's street!
After hanging out a few hours, we decided to head to my Aunt's house in Queens since they also had power too and it would be a nice opportunity to see my cousins and their kids. James was in pure bliss and we have been here since Tuesday afternoon awaiting the power to return. Thankfully I'm a neurotic mom and packed about 5 changes of clothes for myself and James in our overnight bag! Lol!
Well I'll give you an update on our power situation when there's news!
Happy reading!
Rachel
Showing posts with label moving. Show all posts
Showing posts with label moving. Show all posts
November 1, 2012
October 31, 2012
We are here!
Hi everyone,
Oh how I've missed writing to you all. It's been a busy week for us so I'll start with the move last Wednesday. Adit and I were looking forward to the movers arriving on Wednesday morning until we learned that 2 of 3 elevators were out of order in our building. Therefore we would not have a dedicated elevator. Apparently there was an issue with the motor and the building was waiting on the part and the technician to arrive. In the meantime the movers were scheduled to arrive at 8am. This was a nightmare. However the movers were late and the part was fixed before a load was taken down, so we were lucky it worked out in the end.
The movers were really good and helped to pack the last minute items that we didn't know how to pack. They were also very patient and it was nice knowing that the same guys who packed the truck were delivering and unpacking the truck too.
After they loaded the truck and left I felt a little sad that we won't live there again. We had so many great memories there with so many people. I would always look up into our window when I'd pass by and it would be weird seeing someone else there. So I took a minute to enjoy our last view of the city, aka traffic and started doing last minute prepping for our flight.
Before I knew it, it was time to pick James up from daycare. It was an emotional time as I love his daycare and all the teachers and kids there so how do you say bye. I could tell the teachers were sad too, in particular his favorite teacher who called him "little ducky" because of his hat. We said our goodbyes and headed home so that we could meet Adit and head to the airport.
My flight was at 7:30 but we wanted to get there early in case I got questioned when moving. James was sad to leave Dada and I was not looking forward to managing James and luggage on the flight. James refused to have dinner and managed to only have bread at the lounge. He was so overtired and slept during the flight. When we arrived a nice gentleman passenger helped me with my bags all the way to baggage collection. He was so nice and wanted to help me as he was a dad himself. He even paid for my cart and was about to get my luggage when my brother arrived. If it wasn't for him I would have struggled with the bags and James. In return all he asked was that when I see another person in need was to help them however I can. This was a pay it forward attitude that I will honor. I was so touched by his kindness and he helped end a hectic day on a happy note!
As for James, he was wired when we got back to my mom's that night and didn't sleep again until 10! I was exhausted and feel asleep while nursing him. So the following day my mom and I took James around the city. He loved Riverside park and didn't want to leave. He walked the streets of NY like a proud NYer and said hi to all the dogs and pigeons!
Well that's the update for now, I'll share more about the unpacking, settling in, and the storm!
Miss you Canadians and I'll send you guys my contact soon!
Happy Reading!
Rachel
Oh how I've missed writing to you all. It's been a busy week for us so I'll start with the move last Wednesday. Adit and I were looking forward to the movers arriving on Wednesday morning until we learned that 2 of 3 elevators were out of order in our building. Therefore we would not have a dedicated elevator. Apparently there was an issue with the motor and the building was waiting on the part and the technician to arrive. In the meantime the movers were scheduled to arrive at 8am. This was a nightmare. However the movers were late and the part was fixed before a load was taken down, so we were lucky it worked out in the end.
The movers were really good and helped to pack the last minute items that we didn't know how to pack. They were also very patient and it was nice knowing that the same guys who packed the truck were delivering and unpacking the truck too.
After they loaded the truck and left I felt a little sad that we won't live there again. We had so many great memories there with so many people. I would always look up into our window when I'd pass by and it would be weird seeing someone else there. So I took a minute to enjoy our last view of the city, aka traffic and started doing last minute prepping for our flight.
Before I knew it, it was time to pick James up from daycare. It was an emotional time as I love his daycare and all the teachers and kids there so how do you say bye. I could tell the teachers were sad too, in particular his favorite teacher who called him "little ducky" because of his hat. We said our goodbyes and headed home so that we could meet Adit and head to the airport.
My flight was at 7:30 but we wanted to get there early in case I got questioned when moving. James was sad to leave Dada and I was not looking forward to managing James and luggage on the flight. James refused to have dinner and managed to only have bread at the lounge. He was so overtired and slept during the flight. When we arrived a nice gentleman passenger helped me with my bags all the way to baggage collection. He was so nice and wanted to help me as he was a dad himself. He even paid for my cart and was about to get my luggage when my brother arrived. If it wasn't for him I would have struggled with the bags and James. In return all he asked was that when I see another person in need was to help them however I can. This was a pay it forward attitude that I will honor. I was so touched by his kindness and he helped end a hectic day on a happy note!
As for James, he was wired when we got back to my mom's that night and didn't sleep again until 10! I was exhausted and feel asleep while nursing him. So the following day my mom and I took James around the city. He loved Riverside park and didn't want to leave. He walked the streets of NY like a proud NYer and said hi to all the dogs and pigeons!
Well that's the update for now, I'll share more about the unpacking, settling in, and the storm!
Miss you Canadians and I'll send you guys my contact soon!
Happy Reading!
Rachel
September 26, 2012
It's Sinking In Now...
Although I am excited about moving, I must admit that it's a little scary. I have moved around from New York -> New Jersey -> Nova Scotia -> New York -> Ontario and now New Jersey! Most of these moves occurred while I was young or still living at home so it wasn't an issue as my parents handled it. This is my first adult move so it's a little daunting. I resigned from work and completed my last day on Friday. I had mixed feelings, for one I had alot of work to do because I was behind from my prior vacation, and because I have made so many friends here and it will be difficult to leave them. My job was great and I really enjoyed working there, especially since two of my closest friends work there too. I will miss you two, especially for our Whopper Wednesdays! Lol! If it wasn't for the move I wouldn't have left the job.
What's funny was that whenever a friend heard that I had "news" they automatically thought I was pregnant. Lol! Then they were shocked to hear about the move. Everything is up in the air right now and I think I'll feel better once we figure out what we'll do with our belongings, with a place to live, daycare, etc. It's not like I'm moving 30 minutes away and can visit places, most of my correspondence is over the phone and I hope that I'm getting the right information. I have a laundry list of things to do and they are not happening as quickly as I'd prefer them to. It'll all work out in the end and normally I'd like to fast forward to the end, but I think I want to enjoy this time as I'll be leaving soon. Right now I'm talking with 3 moving companies to negotiate a rate and an acceptable move time. Somehow I think working would be easier than coordinating an international move.
In any case the three of us are doing well. Today is Adit's birthday and it's a big one, his 30th! Now he will stop bragging about being in his 20's, lol! It's a Wednesday so not much celebrating. In fact we did an early celebration last weekend with some friends and family of ours. Our university friend Kume was visiting us from Singapore and she shares the same birthday as Adit. We had an amazing dinner at a steak house that left us all full for days! I love when she comes to visit, because I feel like I'm back in University and we talk about old times. Also James loves having more people around and her playing with him gives Adit & I a break!
Earlier this week I took James to the doctor for his 18 month appointment, which translates to immunization and the Nippising Screening Test. James passed the Nipissing Test with flying colors, being able to do all the required tasks for his age so we were pleased. Otherwise he took the shot well, only crying a little until he was soothed by me nursing him. Other than that we have his long awaited ENT appointment at the end of the week, so I will have some news later.
That's about it for now, back to my tasks!
Happy reading!
Rachel
PS: Here are the questions that they ask for the Nipissing Test.
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What's funny was that whenever a friend heard that I had "news" they automatically thought I was pregnant. Lol! Then they were shocked to hear about the move. Everything is up in the air right now and I think I'll feel better once we figure out what we'll do with our belongings, with a place to live, daycare, etc. It's not like I'm moving 30 minutes away and can visit places, most of my correspondence is over the phone and I hope that I'm getting the right information. I have a laundry list of things to do and they are not happening as quickly as I'd prefer them to. It'll all work out in the end and normally I'd like to fast forward to the end, but I think I want to enjoy this time as I'll be leaving soon. Right now I'm talking with 3 moving companies to negotiate a rate and an acceptable move time. Somehow I think working would be easier than coordinating an international move.
In any case the three of us are doing well. Today is Adit's birthday and it's a big one, his 30th! Now he will stop bragging about being in his 20's, lol! It's a Wednesday so not much celebrating. In fact we did an early celebration last weekend with some friends and family of ours. Our university friend Kume was visiting us from Singapore and she shares the same birthday as Adit. We had an amazing dinner at a steak house that left us all full for days! I love when she comes to visit, because I feel like I'm back in University and we talk about old times. Also James loves having more people around and her playing with him gives Adit & I a break!
Earlier this week I took James to the doctor for his 18 month appointment, which translates to immunization and the Nippising Screening Test. James passed the Nipissing Test with flying colors, being able to do all the required tasks for his age so we were pleased. Otherwise he took the shot well, only crying a little until he was soothed by me nursing him. Other than that we have his long awaited ENT appointment at the end of the week, so I will have some news later.
That's about it for now, back to my tasks!
Happy reading!
Rachel
PS: Here are the questions that they ask for the Nipissing Test.
.jpg)
September 13, 2012
Breaking News!
I've really been out of touch and I apologize for that, but I did have good reason for it. I was away on vacation for 2 weeks in the beautiful Maui! Paradise is an understatement, if you haven't been you need to go! I'll give you an update and share some pictures on another post later!
The big news that I have to share is....
We are moving to New Jersey!! For those of you who don't know my background, I am American and lived in the states for most of my life. Most of my family resides in the states, and more importantly I found a job there that is in the suburbs, so we'll be able to have a short commute from work to home which is what Adit and I wanted. We've outgrown our condo in Toronto and needed a home, however the housing market is still very high in Toronto so we decided to seek elsewhere. Happily, this worked out and we'll be moving and I'll start work before the end of the year. This move is bittersweet though as we've made so many amazing friends during our time here and I wish I didn't have to leave them. I am extending invitations for everyone to come visit us and to keep in touch!
Otherwise I am very happy that I will be closer to my family and that James will be able to grow up with his cousins the way that I did. This is an important core value to me and I am happy to make the move for this reason too! Looking forward to catching up with eveyone before we leave and for catching up with family once in New Jersey!
Happy reading!
Rachel
The big news that I have to share is....
We are moving to New Jersey!! For those of you who don't know my background, I am American and lived in the states for most of my life. Most of my family resides in the states, and more importantly I found a job there that is in the suburbs, so we'll be able to have a short commute from work to home which is what Adit and I wanted. We've outgrown our condo in Toronto and needed a home, however the housing market is still very high in Toronto so we decided to seek elsewhere. Happily, this worked out and we'll be moving and I'll start work before the end of the year. This move is bittersweet though as we've made so many amazing friends during our time here and I wish I didn't have to leave them. I am extending invitations for everyone to come visit us and to keep in touch!
Otherwise I am very happy that I will be closer to my family and that James will be able to grow up with his cousins the way that I did. This is an important core value to me and I am happy to make the move for this reason too! Looking forward to catching up with eveyone before we leave and for catching up with family once in New Jersey!
Happy reading!
Rachel
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