The More Things Change, The More They Stay The Same

So, I was coming back from didactic therapy today, trying, as usual, to beat the traffic and use as little gas as possible. Consequently, I was going the 'creative' route and thus was barreling down an unknown freeway, looking desperately for something familiar. Then, Behold!, the Interstate North, towards Los Angeles! I had almost completely merged before I realized, Holy Crap!, I live in Los Angeles! (Ok, so, not in Los Angeles, but you know what I mean.) Wow, ummm, some things have changed a lot, I guess without them compmletely 'registering.' (Ok, so it totally doesn't help that I actually live in the Anonymous Suburban Wasteland which could be ANYWHERE. - In fact, the houses all look so alike, that after three months here, I STILL MISS THE DRIVEWAY OF MY OWN HOUSE.) So, here's some new fun facts about me, for those (one ;-)) of you who would know any different:

1. New favorite drink at Starbucks: Grande Iced Percent-Milk Caramel Macchiato - Divine! With two shots of esspresso, it's a great way to start the day!
2. I have said the F-word, aloud. More than once.
3. I have developed a taste for cilantro.
4. I have taken to crossing myself like a Fiend. (Holy water is a favorite, too.)
5. I am now in credit card debt.
6. Apparently, I am now more of an optimist! ;-)

On the other hand, the more things change, the more they stay the same:

1. I still love doggies!!!, of whom Honey, my sweet puppy, is the Queen Bealge.*
2. The Propel addiction continues unabated.
3. Ditto on JA (Jane Austen), altho I wouldn't call her an addiction; Jane is a lifestyle.
4. I still shop too much.
5. I still play my mother's manipulative games. (But I really think I'm getting better!)
6. My heart still leaps in my chest when I get an e-mail from Late Boyfriend.

So there you go. Me, different, but still the same.

*(Btw, ok, I totally thought peeps in California would be of the taking-annoying-yappy-dogs-inappropriate-places-in-kitchsy-bags variety, a la Reese Witherspoon in Legally Blonde. On the contrary, I'm hard pressed to find a doggy outside of Starbucks of a Sunday morning! And forget dogs on campus - I haven't seen a single one!)