Blind Prophecy

Well, the drive was was mostly uneventful. I did get lost in Akron looking for a gas station (note to self: when exiting the highway at night in a city you’ve never been to before, if you don’t see what you need in the first 5 minutes, turn around and retrace your steps) and I also got lost in Jersey City for about 45 minutes (I think google maps screwed up the exit number for getting to the Lincoln Tunnel).

Anyway, I got moved into my room, which has a pretty sweet view (see above – overlooking Lincoln Center). I don’t have roommates, yet. I assume they’re moving in with the rest of the class in 2-3 weeks. Right now, there are about 100 of us taking this AEP class.

Went to the first class today, which was primarily welcome speeches and a reception. I had the chance to meet a couple of my classmates during the reception, but I really need to improve my small talk and mingling. Tomorrow night will be more focused on skills, and I have homework to do tomorrow morning.

I went jogging in Central Park this morning. I didn’t quite make it all the way around the 6 mile Park Drive loop, but I came close. Two days of off-diet eating on the road threw me off. I’ve been out grocery shopping a couple times now. First I had to find a reasonably priced set of pots and pans, then I needed things that don’t require a microwave to cook, then I did some comparative shopping on cheap staples.

I haven’t spent much time out exploring yet, I’m trying to conserve my cash-on-hand until my loans process through. I can tell I’m going to have to be very budget-conscious this year. I’m trying not to get overwhelmed before school even starts, but thinking about money tends to stress me out rather quickly. I need to find the sugar daddy of my dreams ASAP. I hear those Goldman Sachs guys are doing all right in this economy. Maybe I should splurge on a subway pass (so far I’m perfectly capable of walking anywhere I want to go) and go cruising around Wall Street.

Kidding aside, I’m pretty thrilled to be here, even if I’ll be broke. We’ve had some pretty cool rainstorms rush through since I arrived (or maybe not so cool, but they looked cool to me as I was watching them from my 19th story bedroom – something I’ve never done before).

Anyway, until I get a routine, I can’t imagine that I’ll be blogging with any regularity, but in case you’re anyone isn’t following me on twitter or facebook yet, I thought I’d at least journal some first impressions and let you know I’m here and safe.

P.S. Thanks to everyone who has said encouraging and welcoming things on twitter, facebook and via email. Despite the fact that I haven’t been replying, I appreciate it. When I recover from the move and transition, I’ll make an effort to connect with my local friends.

Filed under: NYC by Jere Keys