New_York_entry_#8_(YERBA_MATE_SUCCESS)

My Yerba Mate search remained unfruitful for the duration of my voyage into the mean streets of New York. The Mate search was so unfruitful in fact, that I happened across a tea shop in Midtown (presumably specializing in exotic teas) that had no hot Yerba Mate for sale. I could buy it in bulk, but I couldn't buy a cup to go.

Just when I had lost all hope, Daniel, Ashley and I found a small coffee stand located in a market in the Lower East Side. I asked, probably for the tenth time in four days, if they carried Yerba Mate tea and, to my surprise, the barista dug through the contents of a shelf behind him and pulled out a silver canister labeled "Yerba Mate".

I was so excited that I contemplated dropping to my knees and praising the barista but, assuming I would cross some cultural norm I decided against it. Instead, I baraded him with Mate facts and recommended he display the tea more prominently. He confessed that customers were always asking him for Mate and that he was just thinking about how to make a place for it on his front counter.

"Thanks so much," I said as I walked away, hot cup of Yerba Mate in hand. Maybe I could live in New York after all.

New_York_entry_#7_(THE_NEW_YORK_TIMES)

A journalism professor of mine from my undergraduate Alma mater helped me out on my New York trip by connecting me with her colleagues at the New York Times. Once at the Times, her friends took me on a tour that included a design budget meeting and a meet-and-greet with a handful of the Times' great page designers, graphic artists and photo editors.

The NY Times building wasn't hard to find as its new location takes up an entire city block (!) in Midtown Manhattan, next to the Port Authority subway stop. Once inside the building I was inspired by the size, and energy, of the newsroom and, it wasn't until days later, that I realized this was probably my first time in a newsroom since the closing of my old employer, the Eureka Reporter.

Here's the best part; after sitting in on a design meeting for the national edition, the design director told me there was potential for part-time employment in the design department (woo-hoo!). I know that I said I'm looking for full-time, but I hear the part-time employees of the NY Times are well taken care of and paid handsomely for there troubles. Here's to putting yourself out there! Wish me luck!

Side note:
Just in case your ever interested in buying a full page ad in the NY Times expect to pay $130,000-$140,000... for one day! That's why you mostly see Coke and Macy's ads in the Times rag.

New_York_entry_#6_(SQUEEZING_THE_FRUIT)

Most of my friends and family know that I'm a bit of a health nerd. I like to eat healthy food because it helps me function better in life. Because of this, and if I'm to potentially move to the East Coast, I have to know how the quality of meats, seafood and produce compare to the West Coast.

To find this out I've been stopping at some of New York's finest grocery stores (at least that's the claim on their marquis') to squeeze produce, price meat and seafood, and search for organic options.

My findings: the overall quality and price of grub hasn't been that bad. No produce has an exorbitant price way above West Coast norms. Apples don't cost $5 per pound and, what's more, I've found a lot of produce that I haven't seen anywhere else.

On top of the produce available at the local grocery stores, there are legit markets much like Pike's Place in Seattle with fresh fruits and veggies, as well as delicious looking seafood and meat products.

One thing that doesn't abound in Manhattan and Brooklyn quite like it does in California is the organic food option. Yes, organic foods do exist, but you have to search for them —just like Yerba Mate. If I were to move out here I would have to pick a neighborhood, get comfortable, and then find all the stores and markets with organic options.

New_York_entry_#5_(NO_BATTERY)

This blog would have been well maintained if I had remembered to bring the charger for my laptop with me to New York. But, alas, it was plugged safely into my wall at home in Arcata.

Because of this, I occasionally scribbled notes onto (uh-hem) paper and pad, probably resembling John Osborn on multiple occasions. To make matters more difficult, I was out of paper most of the time so I resorted to jotting down happenings on the side of subway maps and the back of napkins. Osborn would be proud!

New_York_entry_#4_(YERBA_MATE_SEARCH)

Don't expect to find any hot Yerba Mate in New York. I stopped at a Starbucks and ordered a cup of the yummy coffee-alternative and the barista issued me a confused look —she obviously had no idea what I was talking about. She offered me a green tea instead, but I declined and ordered a small coffee.

The barista also had no idea what an 8oz coffee was; everything at Starbucks is a venti, or grandi or whatevs. To tell the truth, I don't feel like getting use their pompous terminology. But, as they apparently own, or rent, every feasible coffee spot in the city one doesn't have much of an option. When in New York do as a New Yorker... right?

I also went to several grocery stores in search of a cold Yerba Mate and after three or four corner stores and a grocery store or two I figured my cause lost. That, of course, was until I happened across the Super Whole Foods in Columbus Circle. It isn't actually called a "Super" Whole Foods, but I've never seen one quite so large.

I almost hate to say it, but I was happy to run across the beast that reminded me somewhat of the Wildberries of my home.

New_York_entry_#3_(STILL_IN_ARCATA)

This is going to be the shortest trip to New York ever. Now, I'm leaving Arcata Wednesday morning, arriving at Kennedy international at 7:30pm, only to return Sunday afternoon. That's like three days. Double blarg!

Anywho, now I'm back at my house in Arcata. The flight was canceled due to bad weather. First, airline authorities (loose use of the term) said the flight would leave at 8:30 (7:40 was original departure time). Then they said 9:00pm. Then 9:30pm. Then 9:40pm. Finally, cancellation.

Well, at least I get to sleep in my bed tonight.

New_York_entry_#2_(AIRPORT)

I love arriving to airports ahead of time just to wait. I'll probably sit here, by myself, until five minutes before the plane boards when, like a flock of geese landing, the rest of the passengers will arrive disgruntled and pushy.

At the same time, I do not mind waiting in airports. I never feel stale here. Everyone is moving; you know, going somewhere.

Anyways, the advertising director of our local newspaper called me up for an interview. However, I told him I couldn't make it because I'd be out of town for the remainder of the week.

UPDATE: Just found out that the plane is going to be late and I might miss my connecting flight in SF to NYC. Why am I not surprised?

New_York_entry_#1_(WAITING)

Okay everybody, so I'm on my way to New York to go look for jobs and to explore Brooklyn. I'm real short on money so, I now I'm going to regret it, but this is going to be a short trip. I'll be back Sunday night.

After packing all of the necessities —winter clothes, bathroom supplies, laptop, camera and food (so I don't have to spend money on overpriced plane grub), I'm ready to get on with my New York trip. Only problem is I still have two hours to kill. I'm one of the few people that doesn't run out the door in a flurry late for his flight.

The weather is a little sketchy. Its raining and kind of windy. I don't think its enough to stop us from leaving Humboldt, but it is going to make for a fun ride; especially given the size deficiency of the airplanes that fly out of our quaint airport.