Les Miserables

Got my first paycheck from the new job this week. That means I've worked a full two weeks and some change. On the whole very productive, I'd say. And it's hard to believe that in the course of those two weeks I've also survived STORM 2008 and the visit of some very high profile folks to Charlotte.

People keep asking me how I'm liking Charlotte so far. I'm running out of clever, yet sincere ways to say "I like it, but I'm still in the honeymoon phase so check back in a few months." I actually really am liking it - if it weren't for the very confusing road configuration. Everyone nods knowingly when I mention that. Otherwise, I've been to work, to church and home. So there's not much to dislike.

But wait. Maybe I spoke too soon. Breaking news from Forbes Magazine: Charlotte, North Carolina is number 9 on the list of America's Most Miserable Cities.

I've yet to meet all these miserable folks in Charlotte. Everyone I've encountered seems reasonably happy despite the colder-than-usual temperatures we've had lately. And don't forget STORM 2008! Maybe the misery just needs time to simmer. Perhaps come summer when it's 90 degrees and 90 percent humid and the Carolina Panthers are still the worst team in the NFL, maybe that's when I'll meet all these miserable types. Maybe by then I'll be one of them, too.

Or maybe I'll just move to Detroit. After all, misery loves company.



As a sidenote, the only thing making me even remotely miserable is the fact that I've never met this pretty little girl. She didn't make her debut until I'd already left town. But I have a feeling I'm her favorite aunt and she just doesn't know it yet. I'll make certain of it just as soon as she's old enough to appreciate the flood of candy and very noisy toys I plan to send in the mail!