I got to go home a couple weeks ago, from the 5th-13th. I WOULD have stayed longer, since I found out I didn't actually start my job until the 19th, but I found out too late and to change your plane ticket that late costs like $234261.61 and I don't have nearly that much. Maybe like half.
A lot of home was catching up with people from my recent past. I saw my grandparents, my old boss at Camille's (who's still not doing so well), old co-workers at school, and favorite professors. It was really great to see my parents as well (obviously). Dad made some stellar king crab legs my first night back, and I got to go out on the town with my Mom to good ole Lino's ($6 dinner meal, you seriously can't beat that. Not even with a stick). Mom and I also had a date to go see Princess and the Frog (which was just as awesome the second time around). It was a bummer Dad had stuff to do on the last two nights I was there, but luckily I'll be seeing him soon.
As prolly most people know, I went to ISU Friday and Saturday, leaving Sunday. It was a lot of fun, some would say too much...but I wouldn't venture to say that. Friday we hit up the bars, with a trip to Mulligan's (standard) and then to Fat Jack's. We didn't make it any farther than that. But I will say two words: LeBomb James. It was epic.
Saturday was a kickin party at Emily, Amy, Jess, and Colleen's apartment (BIG thank you once again). It was great to see all the youngins, some who came back a day early to see me (I'm pretty sure my mom paid them). As much fun as it was, it was a bit weird being out of the loop. But I'm glad I made the visit because it was so great to relive some great memories while making some new ones.
In conclusion, my trip home was too short. I'm pretty sure I was able to see as many people as possible, which was the main goal, and I didn't feel like I was running all over the place at the same time. But the snow did remind me why I'm choosing to stay here...well, at least one of the reasons. What I do know is that I didn't leave home for lack of good people in my life. Note to all friends: make some money asap and come visit me! I now have a place to stay and I can get you in the parks fo free! Think about it.
Update on the job (what I actuallydo) coming soon. I miss safari though, especially since they have 2 new baby giraffes and a baby rhino!!!
Jambo everyone. I know it has been weeks, but let me tell you, I'm surprised I was able to keep up as long as I did. This coming post will be broken into a couple different ones since I have so much catching up to do.
So after my last post, my life was consumed with post-College Program decisions. I first found a place to live, with pictures of said place coming soon. It's about 1.5 miles from I was just living and literally across the street from Vista Way, one of the housing complexes and also the oldest. Pros on this place: 15 minutes away from work and I-4, 24-gym, reasonably priced (I pay $300 for the smallest bedroom, before utilities), and 20 minutes from the parks. Cons: 100% unfurnished and it's on the 3rd floor. Okay, so that second reason isn't a biggie, but the first one surely is. I walked in and I was like, I'm paying for what? First on the list was a mattress, and as RSK says, box springs are one of the biggest scams around. However, I was able to buy a full mattress with box spring and frame for about $247. So not too bad, and that thing had better last me 3-4 years. I made the mistake of laying on the more expensive mattresses...poor choice. Natural memory form mattress, I'll be seeing you soon...
After the apt. but before the mattress, I needed a vehicle. It was around the 20th of December that I started sweating. You see, I only had about $2500 to spend on a car, because I knew that there is A TON of nonsense you have to get that goes with the car. So after about a month of dealing with some pretty sketchy people, my parents basically forced me to borrow money from them, a no interest-loan (sweeeet) and suddenly, everyone seemed more reputable. I found a 2005 Hyundai Elantra (burgandy) for $5500. I'm pretty pleased with the decision, even if it I did buy it Dec. 23rd.
