Sigh of relief

So, last night we had the new neighbors over to discuss condo-y things. We got lucky--they seem very cool. They're a young, recently married couple who both grew up in Connecticut. They both have masters degrees; he's a scientist and she works for a publisher of Spanish-language books. It's weird to meet someone who tells you they're a "scientist." That can only lead to a million questions. Turns out he's an HIV/hepatitis researcher. Anyway, they brought a bottle of yummy beaujolais and we sat around the dining room table chatting and going over items in the condo agreement. They seem motivated to make outdoor improvements, like turn the backyard into a place where one might actually want to spend some time. So, we're keeping our fingers crossed that things will work out well with them.

One of my old college roommates called me last night! Steph and I were so close all four years of school--we met the first week of freshman year and built a friendship that was incredibly warm and supportive and easy. We've stayed in touch sporadically since then but the bond we used to have suffered immediately after graduation because I moved to New York. Back then she was married to a guy who was nice enough but very insecure and controlling. I resent him in the tiniest way because if she wasn't with him, she would have come to study in London too and that would have been AWESOME. Now she's remarried to a guy who is the polar opposite of her ex and she seems really happy. We've missed a lot of each other's lives over the past 5 years except for the big stuff (her weddings and divorce, my wedding) and I'm thrilled to be back in touch with her. I hope we can get together soon and actually keep our promise never to let so much time go by.