Moving In

We somehow managed to get through the last two weeks with only a few permanent bruises. We got everything packed on time, as I was home alone for half the week and had nothing better to do. The moving day was predictably chaotic and Connie was at her worst/best. She was overly stressed out and unpleasant to be around, but getting things done right and not giving up on the small stuff. By midnight, we had our bed made, and the toilets were usable. It didn't take longer than the first night to realize that we had made a terrible mistake on picking this apartment. We knew it was on Queens Blvd (the Boulevard of Death - a ten lane road serving as the main east-west artery of the borough), but somehow thought the air in-between ground and 12th floor would filter out the noise from the sundry vehicles making their way along it. The two times we visited the apartment it seemed quiet enough. It was a hoax. There are moments of near-quietness but they are far and few between. And the between is a mess of bus screeches, sirens, un-mufflered vibrations on loudspeakers, motorbikes on crack...

On the upside, we can't hear each other from one room to the next because the place is gigantic compared to our last apartment. I can't wait to get a car and a space in the garage. Laundry is also working out well, because there's a valet service in the building. You just call them up, leave your dirty bags in the lobby, and pick 'em up the same or following day clean as a whistle. Also, the neighborhood is nicer with more non-Hispanic shopping and dining options. Our first night in the apartment, we got hungry at 10pm. After a worrying episode of being turned away from several eateries - places close early in this family-oriented neighborhood - we stumbled upon a Greek taverna. The host was charming, and the grilled octopus made our month.

So there are good and bad things here in our new home, but we are doing our best to try and get it up and running and enjoy it to the fullest. We know we will only be here for two years max. Now I have to make sure I survive my project without making too much of a mess, and then I have a week off cruising Boston with Connie (another recruiting trip) and making peace with my scheduled resignation.