Back in the technical age

I finally have a new modem and Internet at home! It was driving me crazy that I didn't have that communication method for a week. I haven't wanted to do much e-mailing or blogging while at work. So far, its going well. I've had some low confidence moments, because I'm no longer the person at work who knows how to do everything. However, people seem to be patient with me and friendly, so all is good. I need to venture out more into the city. Ruth brought her GPS when I moved, so I've felt lonely without it. On Monday, I hung out with my friend Tara and her two little girls. Tara and I worked together in college, and we've kept in touch since then. She and her husband have DVR and a big screen television in their basebment, so I'm sure I will frequent their home. :-) My sister and Abby came down yesterday morning. That niece of mine is a ball of energy. She was running through my apartment like a tornado, and I think she scared my kitty Daisy just a little. My sister had her all Halloweened out in orange pants with candy corn on them and pumpkin socks. Too adorable..






Well, I suppose I should be a little productive before work. My new dresser was delivered yesterday, so I could work on filling that up. Also, I'll need to venture out to the store because I just ran out of toilet paper!

New place, lots of stores

Well, I have officially arrived in Wichita and moved into my apartment. At first, I wasn't liking it too much. It was built in the 70s and is very retro. However, once the movers arrived with my stuff, it started to look better. My friend Ruth rode down with me. We made it in 13 hours! Road trips are always fun, because you tell all sorts of stories about your life and eat junky food. My parents came down Friday and unpacked my kitchen. My dad's handyman skills were helpful with a couple items. Ruth and I lost our enthusiasm around 4 p.m. Friday. Well, it was more like I needed to crash, or I was going to bite someone's head off. I had been up for 29 hours, and I could not do anymore. After resting Friday night, we were off on our quest to find various household items. I spent so much money! And this might surprise some of you, but I actually shopped at Walmart. I'm really excited about my retro bathroom. My little dining area also looks cute. Ruth convinced me to hang up some of my photos, which definitely makes it feel more like home. My cat Daisy has found several places to lounge. She was such a good kitty during the trip. She occasionally meowed, but she didn't throw up or make a mess in her carrier. Ruth scored me a great deal on a new dresser with her awesome negotiating skills. Hopefully I can get it delivered next week. The two of us had a fun time. I'm glad she came along, because she kept me focused. It also helped with the transition. At one point on Friday I was really wishing I was back in Indiana. Her positive attitude and enthusiasm helped me power through. The whole change probably won't hit me until this coming Sunday. That's when I'll miss church and hanging out with my friends. I must remember that God has good things for me here, and I can always visit Indiana.

Moving forward

I am up WAY too early, but I can't sleep. The movers didn't get to my house until
11 p.m. yesterday! They finished around 1 a.m. By then, I was tired and getting a bit irritated by the sound of tape wrapping around my furniture. My friend James kept me company and helped me take my microwave cart apart. I felt really useless while the movers were doing everything. I guess that's what I'm paying them the big bucks for. My friend Janie is letting me camp out at her house the next couple days. I said my first official goodbye to my friend Adam around 2:30 a.m. I managed to not cry...well, at least not until I went to bed. Today my friend Laura has offered to come over and help me clean. I think she's crazy, but she's moved a lot and knows how not fun it can be. Tonight is the last hoorah with my group of friends. I can't believe I'm moving!!! The past couple months, God has done some stuff in my life that I didn't expect. I guess He has a better imagination than me after all. :-)

I'm tired..

of packing. I just want to throw things in boxes and go with it. Oh wait...the movers might not like that much. It was much easier the last time, because I just moved across town. Time is winding down. I just want life to be normal, and it's not going to be. Part of me is excited about the new job, but I also realize I'm starting my life all over. Yes, I have family and a couple friends in the area, but I'm not used to being around them on a regular basis. I've had my own little life here for seven years. I'm comfortable here. I know I'm making the right decision, it's just getting through the process that's going to be tough. I'll survive though. I always do...with His strength of course. :-)

On a happier note...here are some cute pics of my friend Kerrie and her little boy Oliver.

Details..hanging out with friends

I transferred my phone, car and renter's insurance today and put down my deposit on the movers. I did a little packing before spending the afternoon with my friend Kerrie and her 1 year old Oliver. She is such a fun friend, and I wish we could have hung out more the past few years. I would have never met her if I hadn't been involved with my Bible study. It's always interesting to see how God puts you in certain places so you can meet people who'll play a significant role in your life. I'm interested to see who He'll have me meet in Wichita. I spent a hour tonight packing up my kitchen, and took a break to watch one of my favorite shows, Ugly Betty. I'll have to tape most shows when I start my new job. No more nights at home for me. Oh well...I've always been a night owl.

Well, I suppose I should get back to packing...or maybe I'll cook some ravioli. That sounds good right now.

The tears are coming...

The reality that I'm moving is finally hitting me today. I'm really going to miss my friends. Crud...I'm starting to tear up now. I don't want to ruin my makeup! I'm also struggling with finding a mover. I waited until I found an apartment to make calls, and I guess I should have called before now. One place quoted me $5,000! That's just insane. A new car should be part of the deal if you're going to charge me that much! I'm going to get Chick-fil-a on the way to work. Maybe that will cheer me up.

Busy, Busy....

I'm not sure who all reads this, but if you didn't know already, I'm moving! I have accepted a job designing A1 (the front page of the paper) at the Wichita Eagle in Kansas. God just dropped the job in my lap. Well...I had to do some work to get it, but I wasn't looking or expecting a job change and move. Things are coming together. I think I'll have an apartment within the next couple days. Then I can start weeding out the "stuff" I don't need to move. Oh, and then I have to hire movers. The list goes on... For a look at Wichita, check out http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wichita,_Kansas