So far....

I got the keys to the new place today. So far, well, let's just say I'm really super pleased that the central air seems to be working just fine. If it wasn't for that, I'd have to be a bit discouraged. I've been cleaning over 5 hours now and it's only about 1/2 way finished. Soooooo much cat hair, dirt, grime, paint chips, etc. My allergies love it. The bathroom was pretty frightening, with a shower head that looked straight out of Cold War Russia and the most mildewed tiles you can imagine. There is absolutely no chance of hanging a full sized hanger in the bedroom closet. Baby hangers, perhaps, but unfortunately my clothes are all adult sized. The washer/dryer that is supposed to be in the basement is mysteriously absent (there are three sets, but 4 apts...each is hooked up to that unit's utilities). It took me about 15 minutes just to clean the toilet.

Sigh.

I think if I left my apartment in the state in which I've found the new one, I'd have to kiss a huge chunk of my security deposit goodbye. And I'm having a hard time even thinking about going through all this top-to-bottom scrub-a-dub rigmarole again when I finally get moved out of the old place. Finally being the operative word. I just have no clue when it will be finished.

But that central air. Oh yes, central air. It's marvelous. A saving grace for the slow transition. I know once I get my stuff settled in and we can arrange rooms and hang artwork and tweak a few things and paint a room or two things will be just fine. There is some fantastic natural light. It's so cheery. The floors are in decent shape, and I imagine will look even better once mopped (no hot water till Tuesday, the earliest Laclede Gas can be there). I'm up to the challenge. And excited to try some new ideas. To cook in a kitchen actually big enough for two people. To do laundry without a stop off at the car wash for some quarters. All in good time.

Until then, I'll just bring up my yoga mat and practice the handstands we learned today in class against the empty walls. :)

Got what I wished for!

Well it seems as though I got what I wished for though of course when it rains, it pours! This next week is sure to bring many awesome changes and experiences that I hope I can roll with it all without too much craziness.

I found a cool place in a great neighborhood and I'm looking forward to picking up the keys next Saturday. Can't believe after a looong month of filling out paperwork, writing check after check, and collecting piles of boxes that moving day is almost here. It's got central air, it's own washer/dryer in the basement (no more quarter hoarding!), more room, an actual dining room, space in the kitchen for two people, and a great landlord. I don't know much more though because we looked at it while the previous tenant was still there, while he was in the apt., and I didn't feel comfortable being so nosy. So most of the details will just be a surprise!

I'm really incredibly ready to be settled in to the new place though. I hate living in a state of flux and with most of my stuff packed, other things definitely NOT packed, and lots of cleaning to do (luckily I do have until the end of the month to finish moving/cleaning), I've definitely begun to feel a tiny bit overwhelmed and certainly not the least bit calm.

Also, I'm going to become an aunt any day now!!!! That is the biggest family news and I pretty much stop to think about it, oh, every 15 minutes of so! I can't believe the big day is almost here and my brother, my big but by just under a year brother, is going to be a Dad! It's amazing. They are both going to be great parents, you can tell already. I can't wait to meet my sweet little niece and smother her with all kinds of love. She'll be spoiled in no time ;)

I could have picked a better week to turn my own life upside down I guess but that's just how things work out. To top it all off, I've got a couple East coast visitors headed to STL in the next week as well, and I can't wait to see them and hang out and catch up. Who knows when I'll fit it all in, but I know it will happen. And that the next month or so is just going to be one exciting, happy, crazy blur...I can't wait!