Getting Settled

Today I hung up my first framed picture. It's nothing fabulous, maybe that made it easier. Less commitment. The frame I bought at Ikea for half off ($12) and the poster inside for 25 cents (97% off). It looks okay. What is causing the most deliberation is my grandma's painting. I love it and really want to make sure I put it in the best spot (good viewage and no direct light). This means either above my entertainment set-up (which includes my 1999 20-inch TV and and 20-inch iMac) or in my dining room (but there might be too much light here). I just don't know. I have several other framed pictures that I must decide what to do with. Perhaps some of these will eventually go in my office (which at the moment is essentially empty).

So for the move-in story (for those interested). I drove down to Irvine in my nifty Mazda5 on Wednesday, January 21st. I was a little sick with a cold but fortunately, it was a completely uneventful drive. I moved into my new apartment with only the items that fit into my car. On the 24th, the rest of my stuff arrived in the PODS container. My friends (Joe, Nick and Andre) drove up from the San Diego area, spent the night Friday (we played a very fun submarine game), and then helped me unload the pod early Saturday morning. I could not have done it without them. And they were so much fun to be around. I hope to see them soon again.

My mom arrived on Sunday, and we began unpacking and finding places for things. I think in the first week that I was here, I went to Target five times (3 different stores), Ikea four times, Lowes three times, TJ Max twice, Costco twice, and Trader Joe's four times. It was handy to have a week and a half before I started working. Oh, this reminds me, I had a terrible time getting my Internet up and running. I was supposed to have connection on Monday but did not get it until Friday night. Why did I not get it? 1) They couldn't tell me and 2) It was hooked up to the wrong phone line. I think I spent about 6 hours in total on the phone with AT&T. Their customer service is horrendously terrible. I could ramble about this for a very very very long time but it will just build up all the old anger and frustration, and the story is not over yet. They wouldn't compensate me for lost time until I get my AT&T bill (stupid!!!!), so now I wait for that to arrive in the mail.

My one bedroom apartment is nice and the complex is also nice (so descriptive, I know). I'll get around to some pictures, maybe. I am within an easy 3-minute walk to Trader Joes and to Albertsons (though opposite directions). There are also some very yummy places to eat around here too. When I first moved in, it was very warm (70s and low 80s) but now it has returned to winter weather (50s), and I find myself occasionally turning on the heater.

So that's a little about the settling stuff. Oh, and my bathroom is rainbow-themed -YAY!!!