Today's developments. . .

*obtained new cell phone (yaaaay!!)

*applied for alien registration card

*opened a bank account

*got a subway commuter pass

*various odds and ends at work, including changing my address in my work profile to the Tokyo bureau, getting my phone changed to my name, getting onto the Tokyo server etc.

*got approval for more Japanese classes

Yesterday was my first day at work. As soon as I sat down at my desk, a feeling of complete disorientation and aloneness overcame me. I had expected work to be an anchor, the only thing that was consistent with my past life. But perhaps this expectation was too much and as soon as I realized the tiny differences in the way things are done here and in New York, I realized how different things really were,and how far I am from anything familiar. (And when the acting team leader here, who is going back to New York in two weeks informed me of that fact excitedly, I even had to swallow a lump in my throat. . . I never thought I'd see the day when I'd be longing for New York!)

The differences were tiny -- not having headphones, a much smaller and older TV (and no CNN International :() and a desk with no drawers -- and I feel silly now that such minor changes provoked the panicky, anxious feeling that welled up inside me. Now that I'm in a better mood, I'm even laughing at myself. But I have no doubt that throughout the coming days, it will be the small things that will provoke the greatest reactions. Because ultimately, we do sweat the small stuff.

Cozy Sundays. . .

I've been hunting for cozy little coffee shops--you know, the ones with the comfy chairs (ok, space, and hence huge sofas, are a rarity in New York City, so that might be asking too much), and frothy cappucinos in the humungous cups. With the weather turning crisp, I've started looking forward to spending Sundays curled up with a hot cup of coffee with the paper or a good book. Here are my finds. Please feel free to add suggestions (or to join me:)).

Blind Tiger
281 Bleecker St (Cross Street: Between 7th Avenue & Jones)
New York, NY 10014
(212) 462-4682
"Once you walk into the place, you wouldn't want to leave. Luckly enough, they have FREE wi-fi and friendly staffs who don't mind you staying there forever."

71 Irving Place
71 Irving Pl (Cross Street: E 18th Street)
New York, NY 10003-2220View Map
(888) 710-3844
Cozy little neighborhood cafe.

Full City Coffee
409 Grand St (Cross Street: Clinton Street)
New York 10002
Phone: 212-260-2363
Cute little cafe, great coffee, has sofas, tables, music & books.

Gotham Coffee House
1298 2nd Ave, (At 68th St)
New York 10012
Phone: 212-717-0457
A cozy, indie feel, great for studying, reading the paper, or catching up with old friends.

Ceci-Cela
55 Spring St (Cross Street: Between Lafayette Street and Mulberry Street)
New York, NY 10012-5727View Map
(212) 274-9179
Oversized coffee mugs! But some complaints about service.

Caffe Reggio
119 Macdougal St
New York, NY 10012-1202
(212) 475-9557
Reviews say it has a real "Italian cafe" kind of feel, but the chairs aren't very comfy.

Hungarian Pastry Shop
1030 Amsterdam Ave (Cross Street: 111th Street)
New York, NY 10025-1724
(212) 866-4230
"Old style campus coffee shop; delicious desserts"

Broken Cup Cafe LLC
342 E 22ND St
New York, NY 10010-5732
(212) 473-5002
Reviewers say it's a "diamond in the rough," but a bit cramped.

'sNice
45 8th Ave (Cross Street: W 4th Street)
New York, NY 10014-5117
(212) 645-0310
Laid back place with wifi, and vegan friendly

Housing Works Used Book Cafe
126 Crosby St (Cross Street: Houston Street)
New York, NY 10012-3326View Map
(212) 334-3324
Cozy, used book store with cafe, proceeds go to charity Housing Works.