So, I'm finally here in the Crescent City.

Started the new job two weeks ago, and am enjoying (?!) finally having the kind of position that my investment in a degree has earned me. Director of Biomedical Engineering for Children's Hospital of NOLA. WooHoo!!

After a pretty grueling drive down here - Boston to NOLA in two days (whew!) - I've been staying in a couple of really interesting locations so far. First was the Historic French Market Hotel on Rue Decatur in the French Quarter. My first night in town was pretty interesting, to say the least. As the party celebrating the Saints' earning a visit to the Conference Championship against Da Bears was still going strong Sunday night. Second (where I am currently) is a furnished converted loft in the Warehouse District. Pretty sweet!

Made some friends and shared disappointments in the outcomes of the Conference championship games. Not to mention getting more drunk than I have been in years. Yay New Orleans!

Still a lot of things pending in the whole relocation process, with a couple of trips scheduled over the next month back to Salem to meet with the movers, and get everything packed, loaded up, and delivered to my new address - of which I still don't have one. But I'm meeting with the real estate agent tomorrow to hopefully get something permanent lined up. My mortgage qualification should give me some fairly decent options - if I can only get closing done in time.

Regarding my earlier concerns about the welcome (or lack of one) I might receive - so far, I have gotten nothing but good feelings. Thanks to everyone who gave me advice - it all looks good up to now.

Soon I'll be getting my new laptop, and won't have to rely on internet cafes for access. 'Til then: see ya!