Since sharing my decision to move, many of you have asked why I chose Long Island. It’s a good question, really. I mean, if I wanted to live/work to New York, why wouldn’t I just move right into the heart of Manhattan?
The most obvious answer is that I just can’t afford it right now. It might be an option down the line when I’m making twice the income that I am now, but to live in Manhattan on my budget is literally impossible at this point in my life.
That isn’t the only reason, though. When I first visited Long Island last summer, there was just something about it that felt right to me. I’m pretty sure I was intrigued by the fact that you can be so close to the beach and the greatest city in the world at the same time. And, as much as I love the city life, I’ve got a decent amount of suburbia in me too. So living in Long Island really seemed like the best of both worlds.
Lastly, one of the things that drew me to New York was that it’s far away from home, but not too far away. It’s comforting to know that I can hop in the car and be back in Pennsylvania in just a few hours. And, as someone who has dreamed of working in Manhattan almost all her life…well, let’s just say I’m glad I wasn’t born on the opposite end of the country.
I can’t say the entire adjustment has been a walk in the park, but I can definitely see myself calling this place home. And I’m excited to take on the next leg of the journey – working in the city. Dun dun dunnnn 
you can cook what in a microwave?
I’m happy to say that I’ve been a bit more creative in the food department over the past few days. The fridge is still quite naked…
…but my meals have definitely been a step up from Hot Pockets (although, I don’t think I’ll ever retire HP’s completely. They’re stinkin’ good!). Since I so inconveniently forgot to pack my set of pots and pans, I attempted to use the microwave to cook couscous for myself last night. It worked!
Who knew? I followed the directions on the box to microwave 1/3 cup of water until it boils, then I added 1/3 cup of couscous and covered for 5 minutes. It was perfectly soft and fluffy, and I wasn’t left with a dirty pot 
I rounded out the meal with some tuna salad and (also microwaved) brussels sprouts.
Thankfully my mom is visiting today and bringing me some more coveted cookware. Although I give myself props for getting at least somewhat creative with my limited options, I’m definitely looking forward to oatmeal that doesn’t explode and leave gooey residue all over your brand new microwave stovetop oats. Ahem.
How often do you use a microwave??
I’m glad you were able to cook something delicious in the micro!
I use it quite often, for heating up stuff or cooking frozen veggies and breakfast, but I really often have “accidents”, like getting a bag of popcorn on fire or bursting plates…yeah. me and the micro don’t get along so well
Let’s not forget the #1 reason for your move: me. Heh heh heh. I kid, I kid. But I’m counting down the days until I get to see you…is it sad that that’s what I’m most looking forward to about being back in the city? I just don’t want to go back to school and homework!!
I use the micro all the time, mostly for tea. I’m too lazy to boil water!!
umm HELLO of course it’s not sad…I’m just as excited!!
Jessica @ Jessica Balances says
I totally feel you on this — I live in a suburb of Nashville and literally everyone in my life thinks I’m crazy to not live in the city. Like you, I couldn’t afford rent in “the big city” and, honestly, I didn’t WANT to live in the middle of everything! I did that for four years in college (I went to a school in the heart of Nashville) and I kind of felt like I’ve been there, done that. Even though it sucks to listen to people criticize my choice all the time, I KNOW I made the right choice for me! Plus, if I hadn’t moved to where I live, I probably wouldn’t have found the awesome yoga studio I go to and wouldn’t have realized I want to teach yoga. Everything happens for a reason — can’t wait to see why you chose Long Island (other than the reasons you specified)!
Good for you for doing what you *knew* was the right decision!! People are crazy…the suburbs rock
I also can’t wait to see why I *really* ended up in Long Island…is it for a job? A guy? Or to realize I want to live somewhere else?? Who knows!!
Sami says
moving is exciting!
and i’m going to try microwaved couscous tonight!! 
xo.
I honestly rarely use a microwave. I used to use one all the time, but now just have gotten out of the habit!
Stephanie says
I’m not a big fan of eggs, but microwaved eggs are surprisingly fluffy! I just microwave one egg with milk, salt, and pepper in a small container for about 1 minute or until there’s no liquid on the bottom. It’s great for a quick breakfast burrito or egg & bacon (or in my case, facon) sandwich!
For spaghetti squash..it’s a cinch!
Lol, my oatmeal ALWAYS explodes in the microwave.
I use the micro to heat up leftovers.. that’s the biggest use for me!
Glad you are enjoying LI and can’t wait to hear about the work part
I use the microwave a lot at school, since I have no stove!! But less at home
Those sound like great reasons for choosing your new city! I wish I lived somewhat close to NYC, or any exciting city really. Being stuck in the midwest is not the greatest.
i use a microwave quite often! usually for heating up leftovers or defrosting some of my frozen baked treats haha- not for veggies though! the microwave kills most of the nutrients!
I use it all the time for heating up little things-like the peanut butter when it’s almost gone and impossible to spread.
What’s the new job? (Or are you not telling for privacy reasons?)
privacy reasons and not-set-in-stone reasons
I’ll probably share some more details in the future!
We don’t have a microwave! It wasn’t really a conscious choice or decision. We’ve talked about getting one but haven’t yet…so I guess it’s not that important. I’m like you - much prefer stovetop oats. The only hassle I’ve found this winter is not being able to re-heat a cup of hot tea quickly.
yeahhh love your beautiful heart!!!
and thank you so much for your tweet, having somebody say they are praying for me is like a massive bear hug.
microwaving rules! especially at schooool!
Lately I’ve been microwaving my oats, just because it’s faster and it doesn’t dirty up a pot! But I just have to watch it so it doesn’t spill over! Haha!
The microwave is a lot of times the source of my dinners when I have to miss it in the sorority house. I am so glad to hear that its possible to make cous cous in the microwave! I’ll have to get on it
So awesome that you achieved your dream of working in Manhattan!
I use the microwave all the time! I don’t really cook things in there per se but to heat things up…yes!
One day, when I can swing it, I dream of living of Manhattan too
Thanks for sharing why you moved to Long Island!
Having always lived in the suburbs, I personally love it. It’s quieter, has less pollution, and one way streets aren’t an issue when it comes to driving, haha. Nothing against the city though…I’m finishing up school and starting an internship in downtown Indy (not nearly as big as NYC, but a city nonetheless). It’s the best of both worlds. Good choice
Girl I love that you are just living life to the fullest : ) its all about that, each path leads to something! xoxo
Linda says
I saw Long Island two years ago when I was on holiday, It’s a beautiful city!
Personally, I love living on LI. I agree with you about being close to the beach AND the city. Although I always say that I would love to live in the city, I think it’s just easier to have a car sometimes and living in the city can made you jaded after a while. Where on LI are you? How are you adjusting so far?
I try not to use the microwave if I don’t have to…which I never really have to unless I’m pressed for time!
I find big cities to be so exciting, but I don’t know if I’d be comfortable living in one either. I’m a suburb girl at heart too.
I’m glad it’s starting to feel like home for you!
girlfraaaaaaan are we neighbors!? details of your sitch!
I use the microwave for EVERYTHING! I cook oatmeal in it, steam veggies in it, sometimes bake cookies in there. I cook meats in there, reheat everything, cook potatoes in there, melt cheese (quesadillas), and melt chocolate. You name it, I’ve done it!
I use my microwave all the time recently I even splurged on this cool Cranberry Covered Baker from Pampered Chef. http://www.pamperedchef.com/ordering/prod_details.tpc?prodId=30735&catId=9&parentCatId=9&outletSubCat=&viewAllOutlet=
You can cook pretty much anything in the microwave in at least half the time. You can bake potatoes, roast a chicken (which I haven’t done since I’m a vegetarian), and my favorite is baked potato soup! My mom and I threw a PC party so I even got it for half price, otherwise it would be out of my budget=/ Also, I think it’s awesome that you took the leap and moved to LI!
You know I really never use the microwave - unless I’m heating up soup or dinner at work lol
I’m SO happy you chose LI!!
I would love to live on Long Island. I use the microwave to steam my veggies and they always come out really well.
Natalie S. says
So jealous of your Long Island address!! I use the microwave ALL the time. When I first got my apartment I was under the illusion that I wouldn’t need one… but eventually I broke down. Now I use it to reheat leftovers, steam vegetables, make eggs… etc. Love it!
Amy says
i use my microwave to cook sweet potatoes!!! five minutes on each side makes them perfect. just add a little butter and brown sugar. easy peasy.