OK. So. I'm in New York. Well - Newark at the moment. Working in East Village (or is it THE East Village?). It's a really interesting neighborhood. Yesterday was a little rough. I have to say that it was probably not the wisest decision to take a train from PA to Newark, get to my friend's house, learn how to get to the restaurant, and immediately leave for work (in the rain.) I got lost. For about 45 minutes between 7th and 9th and 33rd and 35th Sts. I basically walked in a giant loop for about 45 minutes. Goood times. Work was really slow. Which was nice because I got to ease into it, but a pain because there was a lot of standing around. Which I hate. If I'm gonna be at work I wanna work! I got a ride back to the apartment in which I'm staying. Today I didn't get up until about 10:45, had a lazy morning/afternoon then headed back into town. I took a different route today and it seemed to work out better. I was never "lost" though I was disoriented a bit. I was quite pleased with myself, to be honest. (Please understand, I'm directionally challenged. After 5 years in Boston I'd still struggle to give directions from the MFA to the Pru and it's all but a straight line.) So I was pleased - I walked on 5th Ave for a ways. WOW. Nice houses. Work was busier. Not quite steady, but good. They cut me early which was nice because I had to take the PATH home tonight and I had been nervous about walking and unknown amount of time by myself. But I did it, with some text-coaching from Mal.

It's really crisp and cool now. Which I love. We decided it's officially winter. It has hit the temperature mark for winterness. Walking around today, especially on 5th Ave, I remembered how much I love cities. I don't know if it's because they are saturated with people and I love people, therefore I love cities... it has to be about the people. The energy in a city, and the stories you can imagine about what's going on behind each window, in each car, each head. It's overwhelming. I love it. And I love that each city is different - and neighborhoods within cities are different. And I think it must be the immediacy of the contrast between one neighborhood and another that makes cities fascinating. I thought about that a lot as I was walking home tonight.

I'm still trying to pin down a place for next week, but I've got high hopes that things will working out with a girl I was connected with by a mutual friend. It seems like a really excellent situation.

I will say - I was kind of bumming this morning (yesterday morning), but I'm feeling good tonight. Tomorrow I'm going to see Kat. Then working. Then back to stay with Kat. And Thursday - GLEE! Yes, I'm going to wake up Thursday morning and we're watching Glee. And singing. And it will be grand. Also -joyous. (That was for you, Lauren.)

It will be nice when I start thinking of things here as "mine." And when I have favorites.

Oh! One more thing - I LOVE public transportation. There were two little kids on the PATH into the city today who were SO entertaining. Makes me want to never drive again... ok - that's overstating, but you get the point.

Last Wednesday was my last day of work at the long-term temp job I've held since August of 2008.  It wasn't related to my field, and frankly I hadn't intended on staying so long.  But it was a good situation - close to home, decent pay - and I hadn't found anything in my field so I stuck around.  As the days wound down I was confident that I would soon be placed by the temp agency in a suitable position in no time.  When I called, however, they weren't very promising.  Around the same time my best friend (who is in law school in Newark, NJ) told me that her boyfriend (who is running [and possibly co-owner of] a restaurant in East Village in NYC) needed an assistant manager and wouldn't it be amazing if things worked out so I could move up there and help him out.  Well... things worked out.  On Monday I'll be heading up to NYC to work at "MARK."  It's a short-term thing.  We're playing it by ear, see how things go.  I'm really looking forward to the break, though, I must say.  Back in a city (some would say THE city) and in time for Christmas!  The only downside is that I don't have housing.  My friend has finals coming up and we both know it would be unwise for me to move in then.  So, dear Xanga world (is anyone out there?) if you know of ANYONE who needs a sublet for a little while (1-2 months) or who has an extra room and could use a little cash, please get in touch with me.  I'll be out of internet land for a while, but as soon as I get back I will be grateful for any leads. 


In other news.  I'm going back up to the farm today.  (Leaving imminently, actually.)  My sister and dad are coming up today and then my mom, other sister and her fiance will be up tomorrow.  My aunt and uncle and their daughters will be coming in as well.  It'll be so nice to have the whole family around.  I'm sure it'll be bittersweet, too.  Laura asked me to take some pictures of her and her husband for their Christmas cards, which was really flattering.  And my sister asked me to do her wedding photography - I'm going to have to make sure she was serious about that because I've never done a whole wedding.  And the partial wedding I did was very hit or miss.  In any case - it'll be nice to be around family - particularly my sisters and cousins. 

Also - have you checked out the New Moon score and soundtrack?  They're both really good!  I love the Jacob/Bella Theme most notable in "Dreamcatcher."  It's heart wrenching.

Last night mom told me she could get wicked cheap tickets to tonight's Anberlin concert.  As much as I wish they were headlining, it kind of works out awesome for me because they'll (hopefully) go on at 7 play a good set and then I can come home and sleep like the old person I am.  Pretty stoked to see them.  I haven't been to a show in a while! Whoop!  Also - it'll be the first time in about 8 months that I'll be hanging out with Gretchen - who introduced me to Anberlin's music.  Yay for friends and favorite bands!