moving day..

..is tomorrow!!! I pick up the keys tonight. So excited!!!

I was hanging out with some friends last night walking around the city, and I realized that the library is less than a kilometer away from my place. I am looking for things to do around here that don't cost money, because between my new (used) car payments and sweet apartment, this girl is going to have to learn how to stick to a budget.

Leaving my parents' house, and prior to that a 3 bedroom apartment, I'm losing a lot of storage space moving into a one bedroom. I've been googling like crazy, looking for (cheap) stylish ways to organize and store things in a small space. This site has some chic ideas for small apartments, as well as DIY projects and lots of photos to get me started.. http://www.unplggd.com/.

As soon as I'm in and set up, I'll be posting before-and-after shots of the space. Can't wait!!!

a good way to ensure you get divorced.

I came across this blog this morning, and I thought to myself, "Self, no wonder the divorce rate is so high these days."

This woman married her husband (in March of 2009... this was a mere 5 months ago people) and promptly started a blog (which is TRADEMARKED, I might add) about her husband's annoying habits.

http://myhusbandisannoying.com/

I am young, and naive, and I think I have all the answers. I will admit that, right up front. I will also say that even though I am unmarried, I am in a relationship, and I'm pretty sure that a good way to ensure you STAY in a relationship (and a good one, at that) is to encourage, honor, and build up your partner - not belittle them and bring them down. I'm certain that the way to a long lasting, loving partnership is overlooking the little things that bug you (like messy eating habits) and realizing that life is more about spending time together, accomplishing goals that you set out to do together, and helping each other reach your full potential. I am no fortune teller, but I can guarantee you that these two won't reach the 5 year mark. Once he realizes that she is making money off of exaggerating his flaws and putting him down all day, he will take the money and run, and find someone more worthy of his affections - and I would fully support his decision. I hoped they signed a pre-nup!

adjusting.

I've been at my new job for almost three weeks now. It's going really well - there are some great people here that are helping me learn the ropes and are very patient with all my questions! I have my own desk (hel-lo adult job) and computer, a locker, a parking pass, a pension, health benefits, vacation, and pilates twice a week, at work. I really can't complain!

I'm currently living at home, until September 1st when I move into my new apartment!!!!! It took me a while (I viewed around 15 in person, and looked online for ages). It wasn't that I couldn't find a place - on the contrary, there were many available. I was being very selective, because if I don't like where I live, I feel like that is the basis for a shaky relationship with this city, and since I've been hearing good things for a while, I wouldn't want to mess it up early. Plus, my parents are very generous in extending their hand of welcome, and have been great about helping me move, allowing me to stay with them, and store all of my boxes at their place!

This apartment is beautiful, and so far the landlord is great! The apartment is the first floor of his house, and it was renovated last year. It's a one bedroom that includes a washer & dryer, dishwasher, fridge, stove, 9 foot bar/island, built in wine rack (on the island), and a jacuzzi tub. The living room area is cosy (no dining room), and it opens right into the kitchen, which I can't wait to get my hands in and start cooking and baking. I'd love to post before and after photos of when it's empty to when I have all my things arranged in it. That's another thing - I didn't realize I had so much stuff until I (..okay, Mom and I!) had to pack it all! I will (should) be spending this week sifting through the array of boxes and sorting what I need and what can be donated or thrown out. I managed to get rid of a lot before I moved, but somehow, a girl accumulates a lot of stuff in 4 years! Who knew?

In other news, as soon as I get myself arranged in the new place, my good-looking, hardworking bf is coming to visit me! That's by far the toughest adjustment about moving.. now being one half of a couple in a long-distance relationship. His birthday is next Wednesday, and so I've got a few ideas up my sleeve. They'll stay secret for now..