Taking it easy in the Big Easy...

Some lose their hearts in San Francisco, others still love New York... and me? Well, I'm falling in love with the dirty, smelly, and currently re-building New Orleans. I'll be the first to admit that the thought of moving here scared me to death. Not only have all of my prior trips to New Orleans been awful, but moving here meant I would once again be moving by myself to another city far from my family and friends. Houston has been hard enough on me. I was totally worried about what havoc the Big Easy would run in my psychological health.

I've been here just over a month - and I'm in love. I love this city. Yes it's dirty, smelly, run-down... the people aren't friendly, the crime is ridiculous, and the roads have potholes the size of Kentucky, but I like it here. I really like where I live on the North Shore. I know I can't claim New Orleans proper as home, but it's nice to know that I'm in my really pretty, safe little town just a stone's throw across the lake from the city. Who would have thought I would like living in suburbia? Especially after all the crying I did living in Ventana Ranch in Albuquerque! Ha!

My job here is going fantastic so far. I've already made a friend, and my mentor and manager have spent more time getting to know me than anyone in Houston ever did. I know it's early, but I really hope they let me stay here. You see, I'm on a Career Developmental Rotational Assignment here, so it's not supposed to be a permanent gig. But I'm going to try my hardest to make it become permanent. I have no desire to return to the Bayou City. It's ok, but it will never be home to me. I'd go back to Albq first.

In other news, my baby niece is doing much better. She was born really early back in December, and has had a hard time. While she only spent a little bit of time at the hospital, she has been a frequent visitor to the hospital since she's been with us. I finally got to see her again this weekend in Albuquerque, and she's adorable! I noticed how much attention I gave to her, though, so I need to be more aware of it next time I'm around her - at least whenever her big sister is in the room. She was so mad at me, but I hopefully made up for it later during the weekend.

Going home to Albq was fun (as always) but there's a whole list of people I wish I could have seen or hung out a bit with. I knew I wouldn't be able to since I was really there for my family, but it still sucks. I still struggle with how much I miss Albq and everyone there. But I'm getting better. In Houston, it was a daily fight for me to not want to pack my stuff in my car and run away back to Albq. At least in New Orleans I only have these thoughts while I'm actually in Albq. I was so excited when I got back to New Orleans on Sunday - bittersweet for sure, but I'm actually already considering this home. I hope I'm not going to regret this later.....

I'm back to my old self in New Orleans - I'm working out almost every day, keeping my apartment neat and in order, cooking at home more, and actually waking up for work on time. In Houston, I struggled daily just to get out of bed each day, and was so depressed that after work I picked up food on the way home and hung out on my couch. Not exactly an exciting life, is it? I'm so much happier here... and it's starting to show! I've lost 6 lbs since I've been here, and that's without trying. Imagine when I actually try! Ha!

Well, I need to get a TON of stuff off my chest, so expect many blogs soon. Sorry I've been neglecting this one as much as I have. For those of you with access to my Myspace, I think I've blogged more recently on there. Not sure. Anyway, take care and good night!