As most folks do when they move to a very new and different place, Sean and I have been talking about things we miss about Alaska, and the things we don’t miss, and the things we love about living here in Brooklyn, as well as the things we love not-so-much.

Here’s a list of some that I can think of, mostly for my own amusement. This will probably be a boring blog.

Things I Miss:

  • YOU, dear friends and family,
  • The kitties we left behind (big wuvs and kisses to them)
  • Jackie’s Diner in Spenard
  • The Bear’s Tooth, also in Spenard
  • Having a car (sometimes)
  • Knowing where to find certain things, like that certain face lotion I use that only The Natural Pantry carries,
  • Knowing which direction is North
  • Knowing what the boundaries of my state look like
  • Knowing my way around, without having to refer to a map
  • Having an income …


Things I Don’t Miss:

  • The short, dark, dreary days
  • The snow: shoveling it, scraping it off my car, getting stuck in it
  • Having a car (them puppies are expensive, the subways here are so terrific: in fact, NYC is the only city in the nation where the greater portion of its population relies on the subways and bussing system - something like 79%, if I’m remembering correctly)
  • Shag carpet & ugly architecture
  • Ignorant rednecks
  • Conservative politics


Things I Love:

  • Sidewalks that you can actually walk on!! I actually enjoy walking now; there’s always something interesting to see
  • Subways (see above)
  • Brownstones, high ceilings, wood floors
  • All the new birds to see!
  • People watching - esp. people with different languages/accents/backgrounds than I was used to seeing in AK.
  • Accessible historical landmarks that are older than 75 years, and are about something other than Alaska history (not to diss AK history, but, well, I’ve been there, done that: this is new to me, at least, to be able to see an actual Civil War memorial)
  • Accessible world-class art museums with exhibits of paintings that make me cry
  • Recycling!!!


Things I Hate:

  • Not having control over the heat in the apartment (central heating via boiler/radiator)
  • Not knowing where the hell some of our mailed boxes are — it’s been over 4 weeks!!
  • Having to shop logistically (i.e. can I carry this on the subway and up 3 flights of stairs)
  • The Busses - they’re kind of scary because it’s harder to tell if I’m getting on the right one
  • Not having laundry in our apartment building
  • Worrying about whether I’m being tidy enough so the roaches won’t discover our place … one month so far and we’re OK …
  • Worrying about the other scary bugs we might encounter once summer rolls around
  • Worrying about dealing with the heat once summer comes around
  • Worrying about dealing with increased sun exposure once summer comes around
  • Worrying, worrying, worrying … but hey … it’s something to do while looking for jobs. Everyone needs a hobby.


OK - I’m done for now - Sean’s come into the bedroom and is harassing me and the kitties and I think we will soon go out for dinner. Hopefully one of us will post a far more exciting blog in the near future.

Oh! As a teaser - we’re considering dusting off the old podcast microphone for some new-n-improved podcasty-goodness … stay tuned ….