Our recent trip to Manhattan was eye opening. I learned my new “city life” was going to be nothing like the life I daydreamed about…It completely sunk in that this move is no vacation at all. This next year is a risk that Miller and I have decided to take, and nothing is going to be handed to us. (I know, I sound way too dramatic!)
The apartment search was absolutely draining. I feel like this week’s trip has caused me to start going gray! We saw a whole lot of apartments in 5 days. Due to the fact that we decided a good location was the most important thing to us, every apartment we saw was tiny and outdated. So we ended up choosing a tiny and outdated apartment in the best location we could possibly get- in Chelsea on West 24th Street. It has less than 500 square feet and has a very old kitchen/bathroom, but it is right around the corner from a grocery store, a super cool park, restaurants, and a great subway line. Other positives (finding something positive in everyone and everything is one of my NYResolutions!)…the building has an elevator and laundry room- huge plus! Applying for this apartment felt like applying for a job in the FBI. The reason we had such a hard time is because we are self employed- We have no job waiting on us in the city which makes us look like a big red flag to apartment owners and realty companies. In order to secure this place, we had to get letters from a CPA, attorney, banker, previous landlords, personal references, tax returns, bank statements, pay stubs, personal financial statement…the list goes on and on. In addition to all of this, WE HAD TO PAY A WHOLE YEAR’S RENT UP FRONT!!!! I was in shock as I was writing the check. And to top it all off, we do not officially have the apartment until we fly back in the next week or two to be interviewed by a board. So basically, we are giving up almost everything to make this happen. Care packages welcomed and encouraged! I am not going to post pictures of the apartment until we officially get it- Don’t want to get my hopes up. Please say a prayer that we get this apartment so we do not have to start this process over!
Yes, this is a reality check. But at the same time, it is very motivating. The energy in the city constantly screams that there is endless opportunity… which makes everything we are giving up to make this happen, very much worth it!
“Nothing worth having comes easy.”
Jana, I am so happy and proud for you and Miller! Life is about taking chances (and with Miller’s talent, this isn’t a big one) and having no regrets. You two are an amazing duo with endless opportunities. I am praying for y’all!
Love- Johnna
I’m SO proud!!! I know it’s draining thinking of all the “if’s”. One thing I think about is all the excitement when Miller gets some great jobs and what a high y’all will feel when you realize “we are doing it!!!”. I can’t wait!!! I love you and are so excited and proud to watch you “conquer the city”!!!
Jana,
I admire you and Miller’s courage! One day y’all will have some great stories to tell your children! Life is all about the experiences you have, this one will make the two of you stronger!
Love you,
LJ
Very well put, Jan. This adventure y’all are about to embark on is one that is going to change your life. You are leaving everything you know behind
to make this dream reality. I respect both of you so much because there are few people in the world that take these kind of risks. God is going to bless you and see you through the tough times and the great times!! I love you both.
An
Where should we send the care package?
Jana, I know that things like change are not always easy . Just keep telling yourself that nothing worth having is ever easy, if it were everyone would have everything. I have faith that you & Miller will have an apartment soon & that you will love your time in NY. It is a great city for Miller to make his mark in photography & he is so very talented. Just don’t love it so much that you never come back to Alabama. We would all miss you to much. Keep posting your updates so we can know when you are moving. Love, Aunt Lynette
Jana!! This is such an incredible opportunity and I’m so anxious to see how everything goes for you and miller!! God is going to overwhelm you with what he puts in your pathway. I just know it. Ill help you space plan some creative ideas for 500 sq ft!! We can make it work… I cannot wait to come and visit!
I forgot to put my full name… Ha I know you know more than one Laura.
-Laura Rush
My official first NYC apartment (200 sq ft for $1,250 a month) had boxes that lined the hallway so the height of the ceiling was only about 6 feet, then had kitty litter all over the floor so as I looked at it for the first time – ALL I HEARD was crunch crunch crunch…GROSS! On top of that the bathroom door had a hole in it for the cats and you had to sit crooked on the toilet (because it was so small). I moved in with NOTHING and slowly made it my own and got married and shared that 200 sq ft with my husband. It made us closer, pushed my creativity and made me appreciate the SMALLER things (literally) and looking back – those were some of the best memories. ENJOY and CONGRATS! And you are so RIGHT LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION – not apartment size. It’s worth the sacrifice!
ps – don’t let the board scare you – they act tough – but you will get in!