oh, brooklyn

i've been an official brooklynite for 48 hours. here's the short list of my likes and dislikes thus far:

likes:
- my roommates. all 3 are medical residents. yes, they are fun, attractive, smart and cool like the docs on "grey's anatomy." no, they are not all sleeping with one another. and yes, apparently there is a lot of drama that happens with the hospital staff. they keep sharing gossip with me about their colleagues whom i haven't met yet.
- my neighborhood. there's an amazing homemade yogurt place down the street - check, that's TWO yogurt places. there are fun cafes, bars and restaurants. a decent-sized supermarket is a 5-minute stroll away and a 24-hour dunkin' donuts is right on the corner. AND the subway station is literally across the street.
- my neighbors. actually, the one neighbor i've met so far. my bedframe collapsed suddenly last night and the neighbor downstairs was kind enough to bring his toolbox up this evening and fix my bed. i wanted to bake him cookies to thank him but he's on the zone diet. so i'm gonna give him a bottle of vino instead.
- the apartment. it's a good size with a decent kitchen and two bathrooms.

dislikes:
- the apartment. my bedroom is a closet. everything is old and falling apart. and my roommates are all busy so i've been the default cleaning lady thus far. i miss my ayi terribly.
- the subway system. nyc's subway system is extensive but oh-so-run-down. but then again, i have been spoiled by shanghai's state-of-the-art subway trains and fully air conditioned stations.
- cost of living. everything is so &$^#%@ expensive in general here.
- my landlord. he actually lives in north carolina so isn't present to deal with any apartment issues. and apparently he's not the most pleasant person unless you're able to get on his good side. i miss being my own landlord.

all in all, the transition has been smooth. i think it hit me for the first time yesterday that i am indeed back in america and living in new york of all places. i feel like i'm re-learning american culture every day.

met with my advisor today and registered for classes! wow. it's really happening....

cups of coffee:  2

mood:  mixed feelings