First week in US (NY)

[Tracy-->NY 40]

Have been here (NY) one week so far biggest adjustment has been the cold, with the right outerwear though it not so bad. Thank God winter is months away. I swear I got a cold as soon as I stepped out of the airport (any remedies would be great).

Applied for my social security card on Monday and it should arrive in two weeks. For anyone also moving to Brooklyn you will need to go to the Social Security office in Brooklyn (154 Pierrepont Street - train stop Borough Hall) the signage is horrible walked right passed it and if I didn't walk other side of street probably wouldn't have seen it either (once you pass building #160 you've gone to far - walk up Court turn left at Pierrepont).

So I'm waiting for my card to start job hunting, can anyone let me know how is it in the five boroughs. My field would be executive assistant, I worked with one of the Big 4 for 15 years and currently there are no opening at the one I worked for in NY at present but maybe in the near future according to the recruiter and executive assistant supervisor/manager. In the meantime I will be looking though and actually applied for one job so far on indeed.com.

Good luck to all on this journey, it truly is for those who endure.

[Russ&Caro 1,548]

Nice post. My wife is from a tropical environment too and also had some issues adjusting to the cold. You seem to have a good attitude despite the challenges you're facing. Best of luck to you.

[TBoneTX 43,514]

Welcome to the U.S., and good luck.

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

Cold advice:

Don't rely on cotton. It's a wonderful fabric but does not hold heat well. Cold weather gear usually has some silk or wool in it (or synthetics).

Get long underwear for the winter. Wear it all the time.

Wear layers.

If your hands/feet are cold, that means your core is cold and your body is pulling heat and blood from your extremities to stay alive. Mittens/socks aren't the answer (though they help a little), but rather putting more layers on your midsection.

It's mostly about the right clothes and wearing them the right way. You want to get pockets of body-heated warm air trapped in your layers to keep you warm. Cover up bare skin (like your neck too).

For now get a wind-stopping jacket and wear a light fleece or something under it too (but not only fleece — it does not stop wind). Enjoy!

Edited March 31, 2016 by Harpa Timsah

[Tracy-->NY 40]

Thanks a lot. My mum warned me about layering so I use two shirts and a jacket/coat as well as hat on head. Gloves I am still trying to find my size. And when buying coats I would definitely call it a necessary splurge, I always look at how cold it can go (-20 is the lowest temp I found).

Positive attitude = Positive outcome

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

Thanks a lot. My mum warned me about layering so I use two shirts and a jacket/coat as well as hat on head. Gloves I am still trying to find my size. And when buying coats I would definitely call it a necessary splurge, I always look at how cold it can go (-20 is the lowest temp I found).

Positive attitude = Positive outcome

Not a splurge! Totally mandatory! I have a ski coat and a wool coat but the ski coat is the best for really cold.

You can do it. My husband was super cold his first winter and now he says winter is the best and he hates summer

I recommend hot chilis long underwear