I'm on Week 2 of my new job, and so far things are going as well as can be expected in the world of pharma advertising. My boss seems nice and genuinely interested in helping me succeed; my coworkers are friendly; there's a cafeteria in the building for rainy days; and best of all, it's located in the West Village.

I love the West Village. I love the meandering streets, the boutiques and shops, the various bars and restaurants. My favorite bar/restaurant combination is The Slaughtered Lamb and Jekyll & Hyde. I've dragged many a visiting friend and relative to these places, which both offer a gigundous selection of beers from around the world. They also offer awesome macabre ambiance. Peat and I recently took my 13-year-old cousin, her friend and her dad to Jekyll & Hyde and we sat next to a possessed doll that talked to us throughout our meal. At one point, her eyes blazed red and her head spun completely around (the doll, not my cousin). I've been entertained by talking stuffed and mounted animal heads, evil maids, creepy lab assistants, and a pair of vaudeville-style skeletons.

Without a doubt, my favorite holiday is Hallowe'en, and I'm very glad that I'll be spending it this year in my favorite part of Manhattan.