So after that melodramatic last post, I'm already settled in. The new room isn't quite home yet, but it's certainly on its way.

I'm excited to be back, thrilled even. Soho is so beautiful, and I'm right on the edge of China Town and Little Italy, too (perfect, right?). There's so much to do, it's almost overwhelming. Last night, while with some friends in a different dorm, I met four foreign exchange students and we had an accidental cookie party. It was quite nice, really.

I can't exactly recall what I've done in the past few days though ... A day here lasts for three elsewhere. It's crazy what can be accomplished, or not accomplished, for that matter. I'm trying to start a regular exercise regimen as well as eating healthfully, not because I feel fat, but because I want to be in shape.

I think this always happens with the advent of the new school year. It's like I feel some obligation to better myself, like it's necessitated by my circumstances. But this time, I want to make it stick. And I can; I have everything I need to do it within my reach, so why not?

Plus, when I'm all taut skin and toned muscle, the boys will practically be throwing themselves at my feet. Okay, so that's another thing about New York. We have no lack of good-looking men. Or women, but men are the ones that matter.

One thing should really be mentioned. It's hard to verbalize this, so bear with me. Over the summer, things (ahhh, to be young and vague in New York City) really crystallized for me. I found myself understanding my wants and my needs. It wasn't like a lightbulb moment, where everything became clear; rather, it was gradual, and unconscious. I wasn't actively sorting things out so much as letting it happen and not resisting.

Among those things, and a particularly important one to me, is how I'm perceived by others. I've stopped (maybe not fully, but much more so than before) worrying about the image I outwardly project and am secure in it. This is of course quite helpful in talking to people, boys especially. But I've also come not to expect things from boys, or anyone for that matter - not to place preemptive expectations on others that could potentially let me down.

So for now, I'm enjoying my free time, with or without others, not expecting anything from anyone except only the best from myself. And I can honestly say that I'm happy, in a quiet sort of way.