In 2001, I moved to New York as a freelance writer. I had big dreams of getting a multi-deal book contract, being wooed over lunch by magazine editors, and never really having to work in advertising again. 

Needless to say, that dream didn't pan out.

When Brooklyn In Love launched earlier this month, it was a thrill. So much anticipation and joy, so many people cheering me on, it was great. It was also a relief as it had been years in the making.

As soon as I published Paris, My Sweet, I knew I wanted to write another book. But about what? Just like Paris, My Sweet couldn't have happened until I had lived in Paris, Brooklyn In Love couldn't have happened until I met Andrew, moved to Brooklyn and had Parker.

Brooklyn In Love has arrived!

A follow up to Paris, My Sweet, Brooklyn In Love was several years in the making. I wrote it largely in 2016. Then waited - with some edits to make and publicity to plan - throughout 2017. Finally last week, on February 6, it launched.

Last year, Andrew, the peanut and I went to the Women's March in NYC. It was jammed with so many people that we congregated more than we marched, but it was inspiring and invigorating and made me believe good things were to come.

God, I love Oprah. I grew up on her, watching her show every day. I've received years and years of her magazine. I believe she is an Emotional Genius, able to articulate thoughts and connect with others in a way that's beyond most of us - and yet it's in the simplest way.

I didn't know she was receiving the Cecil B. DeMille when I decided to tune into the Golden Globes solely to see what the vibe was like in our #TimesUp post-Weinstein era. But when I saw her sitting in the front row, I felt a thrill. And when I heard she was receiving the honor, I had to stay up to see her speech.

Good riddance, 2017! 

Not since 2007 have I disliked a calendar year quite so much. While it was a bruiser, it was also filled with lessons. And plenty of fun, too. 

So I got Lyme Disease. It packed a punch but was relatively quick to come and go. In 2018, I vow to reconnect with my body again. To feel strong and fit, to have fun at some new classes, to not feel winded when walking up the subway stairs (WTF!?).

Between work and taking care of the peanut, it's very rare to get to the movies anymore. It usually happens only if I take a day off from work and go to a matinee - a rare treat that happens once, maybe twice a year.

I've been fried and under the weather these past few weeks. My dear aunt passed away and I took a day just for myself before traveling to the services. And... I went to a matinee—to Call Me By Your Name.

The peanut turned three in October. She is curious, clever, loving, funny and makes my heart swell. She is also stubborn and defiant and prone to wickedly irrational meltdowns. 

As I find myself well into my second act, doubting my talent and career more now than I did in my twenties and thirties, I am so grateful to have this giant source of passion and pride.