New apartment, new danger

Finally move into my new place today, hurrah! That might make things a little more settled so that I can sit down and write something about this manic week. Short version: I'm liking the new job :)

MoMoNY

Last night saw the relaunch of MoMoNY on the rooftop terrace at 230 Fifth. From what I can tell, about 350 people arrived in a space designed for 250. It was chaos, and carnage. Of course, I managed to be one of the last to leave :)

But overall, perhaps, finally it is the 'year of mobile' (like it has been every year since 1999) - with this much influx of talent and interest, so many startups, and with an industry so ripe for consolidation. I garnered many a business card, re-met some interesting people, and met some even more interesting new ones ;)

Yay :)

Never have the words "Welcome to the United States, Mr. Beverley, enjoy your stay" sounded so good :)

Hotel-bound for the first couple of days, until my new apartment is ready.

And we're off...

In a pattern I seem doomed to repeat, I am leaving yet another city without the woman I fell for who led me here :(

Back in a couple of weeks, I hope.

Smurftastic!

Returning from a lonely farewell-to-New York meal at Pearl, I walked through the set of the live action Smurf movie, being shot right outside my apartment!

Reminding yourself of what's important

(and what's not)

I did a walking tour of Manhattan today, to take in a few places that I felt needed revisiting for my sanity, and to remind myself that this NYC adventure has been a) worthwhile and b) not a (bad) dream. From Hudson River Park to doorways in Tribeca, a street corner in Soho last visited in the snow, the farmers market in Abingdon Square to a coffee at 202, took in a quick drink at Collichio & Sons, and think I might head to Pearl for a lobster roll this evening. I even took in the steps at City Hall. 

I'm glad I finally have a plan to stay that isn't going to disappear in a puff of logic. But I'm still not certain it hasn't all been a dream. And if so, I still can't decide whether it was a pleasant dream, or a nightmare.

New home

So I've moved to over around the Flatiron Gramercy Park area. I'll miss the old neighborhood, especially some of the shops, but the new place, on the corner of Irving Place, is leafy and slightly more upmarket, not to mention MUCH bigger - almost an 'apartment', as opposed to 'a room'. I'd actually almost consider having Henry here. Update: I like it here! Gramercy Park is half a block away, and gorgeous right now, I've found a fabulous wine cellar around the corner, I'm literally next door to a sushi restaurant, and a block from one of the better coffee shops in the city. I may be further away from some of the things that are dear to me, but since they're being painful again anyway, I'll make do and be chi-chi for a while :)

Crazy week

Despite being 'chronically underemployed', this week's short week (I took Monday off - old habits die hard) is rammed. I've upped my activity for Madvertise, have just finished some work for iARPU, have four startup-related sessions tomorrow, and a full day on Friday. Plus, beers with an old friend this evening, since Steve Barrett, who I worked with 15 years ago, has relocated here to take the helm at PR Week US.

Thankfully the weather means that a lunchtime run today has just boosted my energy levels, despite other things going on that have sapped them. Yep, I'll make this happen :)

Easter

To say I had a strange Easter is an understatement.

Friday & Monday were awful, Saturday & Sunday were fantastic. Sunday's dinner was about the best thing I've ever tasted, was prepared with love, and went down incredibly well with a beautiful Italian red. The lamb was almost cooked to perfection, the truffle pasta was easily the most delicious dish I've tasted, and the chef managed to keep her cool and not throw any knives at me for once (she saved that for Monday).

Then a bizarre trifecta of problems all managed to hit me at once on Monday. The metaphorical knives thrown by the utterly-loved-up-12-hours-before other half, my card limit was reduced overnight and I hit a rental SNAFU that means I have to remain in my current place for longer than anticipated. Which is a shame, as the new place, whilst significantly cheaper, also boasts a roof terrace. And given that the weather is being especially kind to New York right now, I was looking forward to that!

It was thiiiiiis close (holds finger and thumb a whisker apart) to me getting on a plane and calling it quits.

Spring may just have sprung...

Stunning weekend (I got sunburnt) and a beautiful day today. Pity I've been locked indoors with my nose in my laptop working on proposals all day :(

Still, at least i survived the New York winter.

Leaving, on a jet plane...

I fly from JFK today, for a mini-marathon trip that will take in Dublin, Manchester and Berlin. 

Prior to boarding, I figured I'd pop down to my local brunch spot - 202 in Chelsea Market, where I ordered 'the usual', with a Virgin Mary ('but hold the foliage'). The day I leave is the day I suddenly feel utterly at home here.

What a hectic week!

Between mobile advertising, m-commerce, the startup, interviewing games-y people, more investor meetings, and being camped out at 202 cafe in Chelsea Market all day today, I'm exhausted, though jittery from all the double cappucinos!

Fortunately, the beloved is apparently cooking me Dover Sole tonight, or the nearest equivalent Whole Foods can manage, so a nice relaxed evening to unwind with.

And Zynga just bought a social gaming startup. Maybe I'm not a dreamer, after all :)

Wishing...

Just chatting to my business partner and good chum, David Deutsch. He said he couldn't believe that I had finally moved to New York, but he's not here. 

I should've done this 8 years ago. After an occasion on the corner of Greenwich & Horatio. Would've been 8 more cakes I could've baked, and I wouldn't have gone through the personal hell that was Kiwi womenfolk. That said, nor would I have the good friends I have in NZ to this day.

Grrrr. Hindsight is a wonderful, yet frustrating, thing. OK, so guardian angel and/or time machine gratefully received.

My world is turning upside down

I'm coming to the end of my 90 days in the US, with no firm plan as yet for my return (other than my two freelance contracts, with Madvertise and Apposing). The startup is motoring along, albeit without investment in the bank as yet. Come on March 1st! 

My other primary reason for being in New York is personal, and I never know from day to day where I'm at with that. I know where I want to be, but Harry Winston doesn't do payment plans :)

I don't think I've ever been more in need an angel (of the guardian variety, rather than business). 5 days left to find one!

Unsure which is more debilitating

This nasty ache-y cold, or the fact that Time Warner Cable still haven't turned my broadband back on...

Nolita House Fullness

Best Brunch in NYC, so says New York magazine.

Since my beloved blew me out of the brunch she owes me, went over to Nolita House to have bluegrass brunch with Marc, Kailah and Maddox. I'll be full for days. Fabulous, delicious, comfort food featuring all the eggs & pork product you can eat. Perfect. I should've had more vodka, though :)