Reflections on being back in New York (and America)

I figure I'll take advantage of one of my last free evenings to write this blog post, since I'll be starting up with a new, more hectic teaching schedule next week (spring semester, woo hoo!).

• Teaching adult ESL in this city is stressful. I have a master's degree now, which allows me to earn a living wage, but I can't imagine teaching in this city long term. I was teaching 18 hours at Pace University last semester. This coming semester they offered me nine hours--no warning, no apology. So I was luckily able to supplement those hours by joining the adjunct staff at Columbia. We'll see how the juggling of hours goes. I'm a little nervous. 
• The weather here is not that bad. No really, I think I psyched myself out while living in the last year in Indonesia. I totally forgot that cold weather, for the most part, is manageable. SURE, it was literally 3 degrees during the daytime last week. And I realize we still have a few more months of winter left, during which time I may rescind this exact comment. But really--I have generally been able to stay warm enough and still have a life. 
• I can't get enough movies or theater/music/cultural stuff. It's not New-York-specific, but it's been wonderful being able to use Netflix again. Add Film Forum (my one true theater love) and numerous free/discount show options, and it's hard to get bored. 
• I really missed General Tso's tofu. I can't think of anything more worth the $5.50.
• I don't want to live in New York City beyond the next couple years. 
• I really wish our apartment was big enough for a cat. 

Secrets of a Wannabe Brooklynite Living in 20-Degree Weather

I have found the secret to surviving winter when the laundromat is 4 long blocks away: have a never-ending supply of underwear.

You can always wash it in the sink if you need a fresh pair! And you don't sweat nearly as much as in the summer, so you really don't need to watch your clothes very frequently!

Sorry if that was too personal, but I'm quite happy to have made such a valuable discovery.