Back to Normal

First off, let me just say that I clearly haven't learned blogging etiquette--which is to say, you can't wait a month between entries!! In all of the hoopla of getting settled on the East Coast, I've completely neglected my commitment to Good Luckly!! So to all my beloved and loyal readers (um, Antonia), I promise to improve and write on a more regular basis.

After a few rocky car issues and three (yes, THREE!!) horrific trips to Ikea, I'm happy to say that things are getting back to normal. Case in point: Dave whipped up a deliciously spicy and chickeny chicken ragu in preparation for the Soprano's finale (more on that later), while I filed and refiled "my papers" and balanced my checkbook. Yep, things are really hopping here in Brooklyn.

But seriously, this past weekend was the first time we felt like normal people again. We went to my niece's 4th birthday party at the Children's Safari in Valley Stream, NY. I think the kids enjoyed themselves, but considering the fact that Momma Hom was hogging the skee ball court, I'm certain she was the one who had the most fun.

I adore my nieces and Dave and I talk about having kids SOMEDAY, but I'm pretty sure I'm not ready for the suburban life. I'm really not trying to be a snob, but I just don't think I can live in a land of strip malls, bad Chinese food, and manicured lawns. Plus, it doesn't help that I can barely drive.

City life can be such a vicious grind: everything is insanely expensive so you have to work harder to make more money so that you can afford to take time off to get away from work and get away from the city. But the energy is contagious and the diversity comforting.

Speaking of work, I love my new boss and I really like my new job, though it's definitely tough being the newbie. It's not easy going from Emperor Hom at Le Crap to the new girl. I can barely find the bathroom, remember anyone's name (much less what their "function" is), and I definitely have no idea what the meeting acronyms stand for (what's the difference between MMM, MCM, and VCR)?

So it's definitely a strange feeling to start from scratch. But in the end, what is life without change? Right now, despite the difficulties, I feel more alive and motivated than ever. I welcome the 90 degree weather and unpredictable downpours; I don't mind the overcrowded trains (that much); and I'm going out much more than I did in San Francisco--just because it's easier to get a cab.

I'm a realist so I know this positive attitude can't last, but until then, I'm going to milk it for as long as I can.

P.S. WHAT ABOUT THE SOPRANOS FINALE???
I loved it! I think it was a brilliant finale and despite the frustration and disappointment of such ambiguity, I firmly believe that any other ending would have felt too predictable or derivative. In the end, I think David Chase stayed true to his vision--that in life there are no finite conclusions just as there is no clear good and evil. Life is messy, unpredictable, exhilarating and boring all at the same time. And in the end, all you really have is Journey. LONG LIVE STEVE PERRY!!!