LA2NY: Nine Months In the Saddle

The differences between the exaggerated mediocrity of Los Angeles vis à vis the grandeur of New York City and life within have been written about and mulled over for decades. Until recently, we lived in Los Angeles -- land of sunshine, toned bodies and the good life. And then, after 18 years, we packed up the wagon, traversed the nation, two kids in tow, and settled in Manhattan for professional reasons. Here's my take after nine months in the perfunctory New York saddle.

Real Estate - It's a complete drag but we chose to focus on schools for our children rather than the home front. In time, I hope we will be able to live in an apartment of our dreams but for now, the mid-town address is conveniently located and frankly, not as important as...

Schools - The nine-year-old, who was most resistant to the transition, took about an hour to feel at home in his new community. He studied the history of New York City (interesting to all of us) and is thriving. The 13-year-old daughter survived a series of what the rest of the world might consider "hazing" from her classmates. Age-appropriate, perhaps, but more importantly, she proudly exits the apartment each school day and joins a classmate for their daily ride along the boule-vahd. This is the kid that didn't cross the street by herself in LA. While in NY, she's gained independence, maintained a sense of confidence about who she is and for what she stands. What's more, each day the children are greeted at their respective school entrances with a howdy and a shake from a school official. Nothing wrong with a bit of decorum and what a way to start the day. Good thing because there's a lot of...

Attitude - The husband, a gentle soul, inside and out, told me recently I needed to get tougher. He was specifically addressing my attempts to enlist a pediatrician for our healthy children. Although, we had a number of recommendations from friends and colleagues, they "weren't taking new patients." And it goes without saying that none take health insurance. One physician's "gatekeeper," having told me six months prior to call back in May, said that not only wasn't "the" doctor taking new patients (still) but also "it's who you know." No wonder many New Yorkers behave badly - they have to push hard to get what they want/need. Fortunately, there's New York Social Diary to keep me up to date on the people I DON'T know. And for media news and gossip, there's Gawker. And gawk I do at the...

Architecture - The City's beautiful brownstones and residential buildings built between 1870 and 1930 have me captivated. What's more, the impressive skyline can't be beat. I find myself looking up A LOT. Most often, I'm seeking a patch of blue sky between the skyscraping giants but each time I catch a glimpse of the Chrysler Building, I am in awe of the art deco wonder. I can't help but smile to myself and imagine hearing the line from Annie "...it shines like the top of the Chrysler Building," and there it is. Fortunately, there's HOPSTOP.com which offers online subway and bus directions. Think mapquest for public transportation. I use it regularly to slip downtown for a reality check. I rely on the Empire State Building to orient myself when I exit a subway station. The 75-year-old architectural wonder is lit in different colors at night. One of my favorite NYC follies is to find out ...

What color is the Empire State Building and Why? TimeOut's The Light Stuff answers the question. Blue and White for Jackie Robinson Day (April 15) or Taxi Yellow in celebration of 100 years of New York City cabs, the city does have a sense of history. Of course, the ESL has it's own official site which includes the lighting schedule, facts and trivia. That said, for sanity's sake, I make sure I do...

One event per week - It may seem odd, but I've faithfully attended at least one activity (outside of the routine) per week. Weekly reading of the New York Times "Spare Time" every Friday and Time Out New York's varied listings of events to do or see round out my calendar. Some of my highlights include literary events, NYPL Live where I heard Miranda July in conversation with David Byrne and Becky Stark. I've attended the theatre, the opera, visited museums, walked through Central Park, Brooklyn and the Botanical Gardens. My favorite activity was a family outing to Central Park for a special alfresco viewing of Stuart Little, the film about the mouse. On September 1, 2006, just after our arrival, the family sat through the entire film huddled under our umbrellas. The novelty of the inclement weather soon wore off but there's something for everyone and a lot of it's free; the city is a feast for the mind. But it's a ...

Fiasco for the body. I've had to work hard at keeping in shape and I miss Southern California's luminescence. I don't care how shallow that sounds but while my mind has been stretched, my 40-something body droops given the lack of exercise, fresh air, sunshine and fresh food. So, we are heading west for the summer. California, that is. And I'm going to get into shape, physically and mentally, so that come fall, I'll be able to conquer New York and all that is has to offer.

Ride 'em pardner.