Welcome from my new apartment! Ali and I finally moved in, and I can safely say this place pretty much feels like home.

I 

I recently realized that I haven’t lived in one house/apartment/dorm for more than a year EVER in my life, minus the house I grew up in. That means I have moved in and out of a room at least once each year since I graduated high school. Woah. With that in mind, I’ve never put much effort into making a place I lived in feel like “home,” since I never knew how long I’d be sticking around and didn’t feel like putting the time and effort into making it super nice.

But now, I’m trying really hard to make this my “home,” regardless if we stay here one year or fifty. (But I hope not fifty?) Even little things like buying a nice(r) bath mat, an area rug, and maybe even a bed frame, are small purchases that are a big deal; they make this place feel less temporary. (Besides, it’s so fun stepping out of the shower onto a plushy bath mat, who knew?) I’m also in love with all the exposed brick, and am sleeping so much better thanks to a newly acquired AC. I feel like I’m cheating. 

I’m also slowly falling in love with the new ‘hood. While I do miss being steps away from the track, my brother’s, and Calexico, I feel like South Williamsburg has more character (read: less hipsters). I live in a Puerto Rican neighborhood where people say “hola” with huge smiles, where there are block parties and Latino music blasting on the weekends, and where bodegas have slightly cheaper seltzer. I take the JMZ to Manhattan, (PZ L-TRAIN) and get to ride over the Williamsburg bridge (while sitting!) rather than be tumbled underground stuffed between people who always made me feel super unfashionable (jerks).

And to REALLY kick things off, we hosted an apartment warming party. A bunch of our friends came over, and everyone seemed to have a grand time. Unfortunately, I drank way too much whiskey and…. well, payed for it later

I wish I remembered this series of pictures; thanks for capturing the moments, Danielle.