We want to spend the Summer in Buffalo

[jennybaby]

So Peter and I have been chatting and we want to spend the Summer in Buffalo. Neither of us have jobs at the moment. I think we'd have an easier time finding something in Buffalo considering we know so many people up there for networking. Plus, I miss my family and there is a lot going on up there with them! We could also get a lot of wedding planning done. It won't cost us anything extra, since we were planning on heading up in August anyway. We could stay with my family (me with my mom's best friend, him with my brother), and there would be no extra costs. We could test the waters, and make sure we want to move there for sure a year from now. Plus, we could make connections any maybe land permanent jobs for when we head there next year. I could spend some time at UB. Not to mention we need a break. It's hard down here not having anyone. It's stressful. I'm really hoping we can land jobs and head up there the first week of May. We'd drive up in Peter's van. I need to get a new car and was planning on it for next year, but I'd probably end up buying one when we got there and leaving it with my brother until we come up again for good.

Applied for my first job as Camp Counselor at the YMCA. :crossfingers: We're both really excited.

[gwenshack]

Sounds like a good plan Jenny!! It's always nice to feel a situation out before you make a big move. I hope everything works out smoothly! :luxlove:

[pinkbride]

that sounds awesome! Great idea to test it out first and make for sure that you both want to live there, Sounds like its a good time in your lives to do this and hopefully get some work there!

I really hope you get the job at YMCA! Im excited for you both!! xx

[jennybaby]

Talked to Nichole, my family friend and unofficial wedding planner! She should be able to get me a job doing banquet catering! Two in one! I can work and wedding plan at the same time! :crossfingers: We need this so bad! We need to get out of Orlando for at least a couple months!

[gwenshack]

Talked to Nichole, my family friend and unofficial wedding planner! She should be able to get me a job doing banquet catering! Two in one! I can work and wedding plan at the same time! :crossfingers: We need this so bad! We need to get out of Orlando for at least a couple months!
Hey, that's great news! :goodluck:

[savepaws]

Good luck, I hope it works out for you guys!

[Spatch4Officers]

Oh Jenny that's fantastic news!!!! Where in Buffalo are you planning to live? Oh and if you need someone to do really nice flowers and I'm sure the lady would give you a discount since you know me..let me know I can give you a name and number to contact. The people I lived with up there do wedding catering and planning and also do flower arrangements that are BEAUTIFUL. They live in North Collins...do you know where that is? Let me kno and send me a pm about it --- so glad to hear about all your exciting news!!!! :toast:

[NOTKT]

Sweet! I've always wanted to be a camp counselor. Not sure why, now that I think about it, lol. It just always seemed cool when I was attending the camp.

[jennybaby]

So, this is a lot of work. I am trying not to put too much work into it or get myself too excited in case the plans fall through, but just thinking about all that needs to be done!

1. Getting there. We need to figure out everything we need and pack it all.

2. Transportation in Buffalo. We'll be taking one car. We won't be staying together. What am I to drive all Summer? I want to buy a car next year, what if I buy it this year and leave it in Buffalo until we return? Cool, but how does that work if I'm a Florida Resident? I couldn't register it...

3. RESIDENCY! I've talked about changing my residency to NY so I can get in state tuition. I don't know if that can work, considering I have a car registered in Florida and don't want to take it to NY. I could always sell my Florida car and drive my NY car back, but that would mean both Peter and I would have to drive the 24+ hour drive alone...

There's a lot to be talked about and done.

[ChristineLS]

So, this is a lot of work. I am trying not to put too much work into it or get myself too excited in case the plans fall through, but just thinking about all that needs to be done!

1. Getting there. We need to figure out everything we need and pack it all.

2. Transportation in Buffalo. We'll be taking one car. We won't be staying together. What am I to drive all Summer? I want to buy a car next year, what if I buy it this year and leave it in Buffalo until we return? Cool, but how does that work if I'm a Florida Resident? I couldn't register it...

One word: Bicycle. I'm serious. The first two weeks are a little nerve wracking, but that's what Will and I have been doing with our one car - one person drives it and the other bikes. I've got a bunch of friends that just use their bike as transportation in the summer... because they don't have cars.

I bike a lot through the city, Amherst and Williamsville and I have very few problems. I mean, I run into a few scary situations... but I do in my car too, you know? Residential developments are your friends.



3. RESIDENCY! I've talked about changing my residency to NY so I can get in state tuition. I don't know if that can work, considering I have a car registered in Florida and don't want to take it to NY. I could always sell my Florida car and drive my NY car back, but that would mean both Peter and I would have to drive the 24+ hour drive alone...

There's a lot to be talked about and done.


A friend of mine has both California and New York State residency by keeping his California license and getting a NYS non-driver ID card. The have different addresses on it, both labeled as "permanent". The problem is that he has to pay taxes to both states.

Here's what I found from SUNY:
http://www.suny.edu/Student/paying_residence.cfm

He's also 26 - I'm not sure if that makes a difference.

PS - Check facebook (though if you're anything like me... you don't need to be told to do that :rofl:)

[jennybaby]

One word: Bicycle. I'm serious. The first two weeks are a little nerve wracking, but that's what Will and I have been doing with our one car - one person drives it and the other bikes. I've got a bunch of friends that just use their bike as transportation in the summer... because they don't have cars.

I bike a lot through the city, Amherst and Williamsville and I have very few problems. I mean, I run into a few scary situations... but I do in my car too, you know? Residential developments are your friends.

A friend of mine has both California and New York State residency by keeping his California license and getting a NYS non-driver ID card. The have different addresses on it, both labeled as "permanent". The problem is that he has to pay taxes to both states.

Here's what I found from SUNY:
http://www.suny.edu/Student/paying_residence.cfm

He's also 26 - I'm not sure if that makes a difference.

PS - Check facebook (though if you're anything like me... you don't need to be told to do that :rofl:)

I never thought of a bike. If I told Mom I planned on traveling through Buffalo on a bike I think she'd flip! :laugh2: I don't know if a bike is possible. I'd probably be staying on the West Side or in Kenmore and I have no idea where I'd be working. I don't know that it'd be close enough to bike it. If I end up staying with my brother I'd be in Niagra Falls.

As for the residency... if I can be claimed dependent on my Mom, that works well! She plans to move to Buffalo this Summer. I'd probably apply for residency as well. Hmm this is all so complicated lol. I'll need to go to UB while I am up there!

I did check Facebook! Hadn't responded yet! I will now! ;)

[starsthrumysoul]

Aww, you'll be close to me (only an hour away)!!!!!

[jennybaby]

Aww, you'll be close to me (only an hour away)!!!!!

We should have a One Wed get together! Christine is in Buffalo, and Kay (spatch) isn't far either. Anyone else!? ;)

[Brian's Bride]

WHAT is the deal about Buffalo?!? LOL! I'm thinking I'm in the wrong part of the U.S... Buffalo is the place to be!

[ChristineLS]

I never thought of a bike. If I told Mom I planned on traveling through Buffalo on a bike I think she'd flip! :laugh2: I don't know if a bike is possible. I'd probably be staying on the West Side or in Kenmore and I have no idea where I'd be working. I don't know that it'd be close enough to bike it. If I end up staying with my brother I'd be in Niagra Falls.

I, uh, don't tell my mother that's what I'm doing :laugh2: But my mom is also a couple hours away.

It's totally doable, IMHO. And there are a lot of people I know who are much less humble about the suggestion :rofl: The traffic on side roads isn't too bad (I can haz decreasing population) relative to most cities, and we're all poor so I think that's why it's becoming popular with the youngin's.


As for the residency... if I can be claimed dependent on my Mom, that works well! She plans to move to Buffalo this Summer. I'd probably apply for residency as well. Hmm this is all so complicated lol. I'll need to go to UB while I am up there!

I did check Facebook! Hadn't responded yet! I will now! ;)

GOOD LUCK! I don't see why that wouldn't work.

We should have a One Wed get together! Christine is in Buffalo, and Kay (spatch) isn't far either. Anyone else!? ;)

I'm in :) And there is! Dylansmom011908, but she doesn't come around anymore :( I really feel like I'm forgetting someone else - SkippyNXC (Nicole) lived here for a long time.

WHAT is the deal about Buffalo?!? LOL! I'm thinking I'm in the wrong part of the U.S... Buffalo is the place to be!

For real! Hahahaha :laugh2:

I have always been surprised by how many upstate New Yorkers there are on this forum, considering that the population is so small relative to, I don't know... the rest of the US :P

[starsthrumysoul]

We should have a One Wed get together! Christine is in Buffalo, and Kay (spatch) isn't far either. Anyone else!? ;)

There's someone in Syracuse too, but my memory escapes me...

[gwenshack]

If you all do it you better take lots of pictures!! :toast:

[ChristineLS]

There's someone in Syracuse too, but my memory escapes me...

I think Fireprincess is around Albany somewhere... somewhere inbetween Syracuse and Albany I THINK...

[starsthrumysoul]

I think Fireprincess is around Albany somewhere... somewhere inbetween Syracuse and Albany I THINK...

Yep, that's who it is!!

[jennybaby]

I officially got a job at a banquet hall!

http://www.shanghairedsrestaurant.com/

I am sooo excited. Now gotta hope Peter lands this security job my brother is trying to get him. :crossfingers:

As long as Peter gets the job, we should be heading out in May! Need to settle on a date! HOW EXCITING!

[SkippyNXC]

aw FH used to go to shanghi reds all the time for residency dinners and the like... never got to go there myself but i've seen it ;)

[gwenshack]

:congrats2: on the job! :ura1:

[ChristineLS]

:whoohoo: Congrats on the job!

[Nekochanpurr]

Congrats!! How exciting! I think its really smart of you to check it all out early. :)

I understand you about moms freaking. My mom freaks out if i'm on my bike in the dark.. Only going a couple blocks to my grandmas and back. Yeah..

[Spatch4Officers]

Congrats on the job --- and I'm with Jenny - let's have a get together with all us from upstate new york area....send me a pm if you're interested and when would be a good time for u all.... this would be exciting and also any ideas for where we could go?

[jennybaby]

So, we're working on leaving.

We need to settle this roommate issue, and then we're on the road.

FH still doesn't have a definite job, but my brother assured me that he'd have one if we were there in person.

I'm still unsure where I can stay with Gizmo, but a friend said I could stay with her. If anything, there's someone who will take Gizmo in for me until my Mom moves up in July and Gizmo and I both go with her.

We pulled out an atlas last night and are planning the route. Today I am doing laundry and cleaning. Tonight we'll sit down and talk about everything that needs to be taken care of and packed. Over the next couple days I'll be packing and taking care of things like turning off the cable, power, etc. Once roommate leaves, I need to change the locks and find a friend to give a new key to so they can check my apartment while I'm gone. I had one, but his brother's car broke down so he gave his van to his brother and is without a vehicle.

Phew. So much work.

Any tips for leaving the state for a few months? Things to be sure we have and take care of? Obviously we have medical cards, licenses, birth certificates, social security cards, pet records, etc. I am giving any left over food to Peter's roommates including anything open in the cabinets.

[jennybaby]

Roommate issue is hopefully coming to an end. We said we were leaving on Thursday so he needs to be out. Threw in some white lies about the police and it worked. ;) (If you read my private thread, you'll understand the need for white lies so he just gets out!)

Anyway, as long as he's out by tomorrow we should be leaving Friday! I am SO excited. I can't wait. We decided to take our time on the road, even it means it'll take us 2 and a half days of travel time. (It's a 24 hour straight through drive.)

In other news, I am thinking about getting a Vespa (or something similar) while I'm up there! Much more affordable than a car and I personally think it's safer than a motorcycle. Motorcycles scare me. :urgh: It can do speeds of 45MPH comfortably, so I think it'll work for city travel. Just no high ways. :) Just have to hope the license isn't impossible.

[NOTKT]

I really hope the roomate thing works out. A vespa would be cool to ride in the city. I'd rather have a bike but that's because I've owned one before. :)

[starsthrumysoul]

I'm glad things seem to be working out! Fingers crossed that things go smoothly.

(Almost) welcome to NY!!!!!

[jennybaby]

Thanks guys!

I mean I think once I got the hang of it, a motorcycle would be okay but I'm having a hard enough time convincing people I'll be safe on Vespa and I think a Vespa will be easier for a first timer.

[mj512]

Wow, I hadn't read this thread in a while, I didn't realize you were going to be leaving so quickly :) Good Luck!

[jennybaby]

We are getting all set today!

Went to Walmart to get Peter's van inspected. Got an oil change, changed the air filter, rotated the tires and had to buy 2 new ones. Better to buy new tires than risk blowing out on the road! 24 hours of driving!

Also bought a cooler and food for the trip. We got:
Sandwich Meat
Kraft Singles
Bread
Graham Crackers
Frosting (to spread on the crackers!)
A couple pizza Lunchables. Peter really wanted them! :laugh2:
Crackers
Cheeze Its
String Cheese
Muffins
Apples
Bananas
Baby Carrots

We'll also be bringing some peanuts, peanut butter and laughing cow cheese. We'll be eating well for a road trip. ;) Whatever we don't eat we'll bring to my brother's. We spent about $35 on food. Much better than eating gas station snacks and fast food the whole way! Figure a day and a half to two days of driving, so about 6 meals plus snacks for two people. We figure we'll stop for breakfast because you always need a Cracker Barrel stop on a road trip! ;)

We worked on a packing list and organized the lists into things we need access to and things to go in the back. We should have plenty of room. Gizmo is the biggest thing because we are putting his crate up. We're thinking about taking out one or two seats for it, but we'll see.

So, now we need to make sure my brother can fly out to California on Monday and we'll be on the road tomorrow or Tuesday! :crossfingers:

[yam102284]

Mmmmmmm Cracker Barrel. I :heart: Cracker Barrel for breakfast!

Good luck with your road trip! From the sounds of it, you'll be eating good. I agree, there's only so much you can eat from a gas station, especially if you're going to be on the road for 2 days!

[jamt]

you have a safe trip as that's a lot of driving i always forget just how huge America is oh an congrats on the summer job

[MrsDM]

Good luck this summer, Jenny! I saw you were packing on FB, and now I know why! :)

One thing I did think of for leaving the state for a few months is your mail (forwarded) and make sure your bank (debit cards, credit cards) know that you are in a different state. I'd hate for them to consider your purchases as suspicious and freeze your accounts!

[Spatch4Officers]

have safe travels jenny!

[jennybaby]

Good luck this summer, Jenny! I saw you were packing on FB, and now I know why! :)

One thing I did think of for leaving the state for a few months is your mail (forwarded) and make sure your bank (debit cards, credit cards) know that you are in a different state. I'd hate for them to consider your purchases as suspicious and freeze your accounts!

Yup. On our way out we are forwarding the mail.

Good call on the debit and credit cards!! I didn't think of that! Thanks. :)

[jennybaby]

I'm getting anxious. We have to make sure we can get my brother out to California and we're on our way!!!

Peter is talking to his apartment complex, because they require notice if you're gone for more than 14 days and then printing out the directions. We have the map set and most of our stuff packed. Just need to pack Gizmo's stuff, my laptop and various chargers. Waiting until the last minute to do those things.

I agree, any OW ladies who want to meet up in the NY area so should! :) We should get working on that.

[jennybaby]

Not leaving today. :urgh: Hopefully tomorrow. What's one more day if we've been waiting since Friday?

[gwenshack]

Hoping for tomorrow!!! :crossfingers:

[jennybaby]

We left around 4:30pm yesterday and are safely in Buffalo! Arrived around 2:30pm today. In the process of getting a bed, waiting on dinner. It smells so good!

I don't have much time to just play on the computer so I might be MIA a little bit.

[CaseyK37]

Glad you made it safely, Jenny! You got there quick!

[ChristineLS]

Let's go Buffalo!

[jennybaby]

I guess I will give an update!

It has been eventful since we got in. On our first night we just hung out with my brother, his wife and my niece. Then my other niece came with her son (so yes, my great-nephew :blink:) who I had never met! He is so adorable. He just turned a year old! He just sat there in my lap. Peter loved him! He would swing him around and tickle him.

I had to buy an air mattress to sleep on the first night since I still need a bed. My brother bought it for me since he wanted one for camping. It's a queen size elevated one. It's SO nice!! Only $40 at Walmart. I might pick one up for when we have company! We finished the night with homemade canolis! Peter was in love. Haha.

On Thursday we woke up and bummed around a bit. We went out to look at scooters. Met this awesome guy and he showed me a few. They were awesome. I fell in love with two. Then we chatted with the guy about different things. It's so weird to talk about where I grew up and people know what I'm talking about! I also noticed my accent. I always forget I have one, then I realized the salesman and I talked exactly the same! LOL

On the way home we got Tim Horton's. I swear. That coffee has crack in it. Peter LOVED it. I never knew Timmy Ho's had such great sandwiches!! Mmmm. Then we went and picked up a bed for me to sleep in. $75 for a Queen Serta with frame and headboard off craigslist! It's not pillow top, but it's nice! So we drove through Amherst and Tonawanda with this huge mattress on Peter's van! :laugh2: We dropped it off at my brother's house. Turns out, box spring won't fit down the basement stairs. Oops. Oh well. Then we headed out to my grandma's. Peter loved my family and they loved him! :hi: He especially loved the homemade Italian food! ;)

Then yesterday we just worked on making the basement into a room. We cut the box spring so it would fit down (it re-attaches easily enough) and got a big armoire down there. Rest of the day we just kind of hung out. We had a great dinner and watched Avatar. I was impressed! I didn't need the fancy 3-D.

Other than that, we are going to set up a time to look at the church, meet with a photographer and look at venues. I'll try to get on some more!

[ChristineLS]

For the next two weeks I am busy beyond madness. BUT after that I would *love* *love* *love* to get coffee with you or have you over for dinner. Give you an idea of how nuts it is, I just had to come from from leaving my husband with his family celebrating his birthday :X and I never do stuff like that. But after this temporary dust settles... date? ;)

[jennybaby]

For the next two weeks I am busy beyond madness. BUT after that I would *love* *love* *love* to get coffee with you or have you over for dinner. Give you an idea of how nuts it is, I just had to come from from leaving my husband with his family celebrating his birthday :X and I never do stuff like that. But after this temporary dust settles... date? ;)

Definitely! Send me a PM when things settle down! I'm so up for coffee, dinner... whatever! :hi:

[starsthrumysoul]

Aww, me too! me too!!!

I'm going to be out of town until the 1st, but after that I'd love to meet up with you girls!!! I'm in Rochester but would gladly drive out that way!

[ChristineLS]

Aww, me too! me too!!!

I'm going to be out of town until the 1st, but after that I'd love to meet up with you girls!!! I'm in Rochester but would gladly drive out that way!

Let me ask Will, but I'd be down for hosting a OneWed dinner party :)

[jennybaby]

Yay dinner party! I'm up for it ladies.