Closing update – the closing is still pending the issuance the certificate of occupancy (CofO). The holdup appears to have something to do with DEP (Dept of Environmental Protection) completing some task related to proper sewage draining. New target closing date: None! The bright side is that I have locked in a APR at 4.5%!
My time in Harlem marks a pivotal adjustment in my mindset, moving from the term HOME LESS to HOME FREE. Homeless has a negative connotation that describes a condition in which circumstances beyond my control leaves me little options to rectify my condition; this is not the case. For the support of family and friends, thanks Lisa! I am able to exercise options that allow me to discover new neighborhoods, new people and most importantly, discover new things about me.
Over the last three weeks, I have settled into a routine of washing clothes weekly, delivering and retrieving dry cleaning, replenishing insulin and toiletries from storage. I have fashioned a walk-in closet from my storage room, with positioning only the essentials within grabbing range. I have learned to make do with one pair of work shoes, one pair sneakers, 8 pair of socks and underwear (1 extra pair affords me a 1-day washing grace period), 5 t-shirts, 2 belts, 4 dress pants, 2 pair of jeans, 6 dress shirts and 2 casual shirts. What was once a wardrobe of 20 suits, too many shirts to count and haberdashery of accessories for a well dressed man has been pared down and coordinated to the most basic and acceptable color palette that will all fit into a garment bag.
So I begin to ask myself, “What do I need to live the life I want to lead?” With the exception of two dress shirts with distinct patterns, no one seems to notice or comment on the frequency of recycling of my work or play uniform. I remember the character John from the film 9 and ½ weeks, has a closet full of nothing more than evenly spaced identical white shirts and dark suits. I am currently struggling to find reason and rationale enough to warrant a wardrobe beyond my traveling case as it exists today. Granted summer is here and I seldom employ a suit jacket and/or overcoat, however these additions would still call for a undemanding wardrobe.
I am also reconsidering all the things we possess in case we may need them, but don’t necessary truly require them. The opportunity to reflect on my lifestyle seems like an important exercise prior to relocating to a new home. “How many non essentials items have I packed, stored and will transport to my home?” If all goes well I have about 3 weeks to decide.
This week I feel in love with Harlem all over again. With timing being right, Harlem week was in full swing during my visit. I had time to connect with residents, both recent and long standing. Like many others I have mixed feelings regarding gentrification and the displacement of long time residents as well as the lightening of Harlem; however the level of goods and services are increasingly improving, for some. I found some wonderful new places and revisited some staples that are worth dropping some reallocated dollars:
Harlem Tavern (drinks only, food is less than desirable)
I end this week with more keys i could have ever imagined; friends, family and colleagues have been overwhelming supporters!
