lornagrl

Laundromat - East 4th & Cortelyou - Brooklyn, NY

New Living Room

IMG00073-20090907-1209.jpg
Originally uploaded by lornagrl.

A longer post is coming. I'm in - I'm installed. My brother is awesome. This is a quick photo of my new living room. As you can see there is lots of light and it's comfortable.

Also there are not one, but TWO air-conditioners.

I am so glad I did this.

Thanks to everyone who helped me.

Off a cliff...

So I have spent the last week packing.  I've had some friends come over to help, my brother flew up (at my expense) to help me.  He mandated that I have at least twenty boxes packed.  I had twelve, but six of them were the Home Depot medium size boxes and I think they should count as two.  Also, when you live in a 500 sq. ft. apartment that's packed with furniture. It's a little hard to maneuver around boxes for a week. 

Anyway - this move has not been missing the hassles, haggling and snags.  For one, I still don't know if that cute couple has been approved and will be moving into the apartment.  I would like nothing more.  Even though the landlord let me out of the lease, I'll just breathe easier knowing someone is moving in here, plus these kids really, REALLY wanted the apartment.  I think it's only fair. 

Also the movers were scheduled for Monday, and on Friday around 4pm I found out they weren't coming until 3pm.  There was no way that was going to work.  It will take an hour or two to pack the truck which means traveling in rush hour traffic, then moving after 6pm.  Can't do it.  Plus, I have to go back to finish cleaning this place and hand in the keys.  I have to work on Tuesday. I had to threaten to use another moving company which I REALLY did not want to do.  I've used this company three times before.  I like them.  They heard my plight.  They will be here at 10am. 

I signed the lease on Thursday, and once again..signed my life away.  They gave me the keys so I officially have possession of the apartment. My brother was almost more excited than I was when he saw it.  It's huge..

Yesterday my brother and I went to Home Depot and I just want to take the time to tell the internet: THANK GOD HE'S HERE.  Seriously, because I would totally lose my mind without him.  Because even though I can build web pages, and master robust software with little to no training: I CANNOT HANG A CURTAIN.  I don't know the first thing about it.  Here I was standing in Home Depot while my brother was able to pick exactly the tools and the length of the rod I would need to hang it. This is a big improvement from the last time I tried to hang curtains by myself and ended up sobbing on the floor.

..and btw this frugal move I was trying to plan?  Not happening.  The curtains and supplies I bought for this ONE WINDOW cost me $116. 

Back to Kensington....

My replacement tenants were not approved, but my landlady is letting me out of my lease anyway.  She took pity on me. 

Signing the new lease: $2,500

Professional Movers: $375.00

Flying brother up so I don't lose my mind: $187.00

Moving back to my old neighborhood and feeling like I'm part of Brooklyn again: PRICELESS 

Coney Island Reception Hosptial

There used to be a hospital on my block.

Coney Island Reception Hosptial was a two story six bed hosptial that  opened in 1901. It was set up as a first aid station for Coney Island visitors and  was only open from April thru October. 

I am not sure when it closed but I'm guessing around 1925.

This apartment building stands there today...

7th Avenue Books...

I ventured to the slope this Saturday and was sad to learn that 7th Avenue Books will be closing it's doors pretty soon. I bought so many books here and sold a bunch here as well. I briefly spoke to the owner. He has decided to do internet sales only and closing the store was his own decision. I would always look here for a book before I would go to Barnes and Noble or the Community Book Store. When I moved to Brooklyn ten year ago I always thought there were not enough used books stores and was really excited when this place opened up. I'm going to miss it.