I did it. I moved into my own apartment @ the Plaza downtown. This past weekend was incredibly busy. Friday after work, we taped and moved in the necessitites. Of course, Friday night was reserved for catching up with college buddies who moved away. I had not seen many people for months. November and December was full of travelling and vacation. Let's say that getting out on the dance floor with my favorites was overdue (even if I had to carry 'em home) .

Saturday, while waking up in a stupor, we painted and then I visited with another college buddy. It's weird to say that. Anyway, I hadn't seen Rick since his wedding in September so a visit to his beautiful new home was refreshing. Finally on Sunday, Vic, Boss, and D helped me pack my tiny little 10' Uhaul and we filled my 10th floor apartment at Plaza. P.S. You guys were awesome, thanks.

The move has been bittersweet. I am so excited to be taking care of my own place. It's practically newly furnished (once I buy the furniture) and it has an amazing view of downtown... Ice skating down to Van Andel. Gym, hot tub, pool, covered parking, covered walkways, Starbucks, free BOB passes...? Yes, please. I am at that part in my life where I need to do this. I am starting here with a year lease, but since grad school started, I think that I will be here for at least that much longer. Even my profs are asking me what the hell I am doing back in their classes already. I'll have to post pictures of the new pad once you can see more than boxes.

The bitter part comes in leaving that big peach duplex at Union. We had some goooooood times there, didn't we girls? I don't know if the next residents are going to top the memorable drunkfests that ensued there (pudding, liquor, douchebag, and many other parties come to mind), but "may 603 never die". I'll never forget our falling ceiling and basement door. I'll never forget the broken laundry washer and dryer and my attempts at rodent extermination via D-con. I'll never forget coming home to see my roommates passed out on the living room couch after a long night of studying. I'll always remember living up my college career in that house with my wifey, my girlies, others, and Ron. How about that groggy morning when I found a depants-ed drunk girl on my sofa? Or those times when people biffed it down my stairs. Cat sitting videos, making costumes, being driven to McDonald's when someone clogged the toilet, stolen goods, girl's nights with the housewives & grey's... Damn, we had some good times.

But undergrad is over and while that doesn't necessitate the end of partying, I am at a different stage. I moved out once at 17 to experience the first independence. Now, at 22, I need some other kind of independence. I have a great solid job where I can develop my skills while attemping to finish my masters. I have a steady relationship with someone I grow crazier about every single day. Didn't think I would ever say that would you? I need to live alone before I start the next chapter, whatever that may be. It will help with the studies and now I can finally do some laps in the pool again. Anyone interested in seeing me in a swimcap? Ehh, didn't think so.

I was practically bursting out of that bedroom in the duplex... I mean, I did. I believe Vic's comments were, "Is that a box dedicated to hangers?" "You have boxes labeled hats and purses... and clothes. Lots of it." And the girls will be down the street until they decide to leave the city. I'll be busy juggling school and work as always. The next few weekends are dedicated to out of towners in Lansing and Detroit. My favorite holiday will be coming up soon and that means a lot of thinking.

Next Big Dates:

• Paying respects to my late grandmother. Miss you, Ba Ngoai. Chau nho Ba Ngoai nhieu.
• Lasik Eye Surgury on Saturday - I will FINALLY be able to see you suckas at the bar in the dark!
• Visiting D's rents & the Barrys on Saturday
• Celebrating my favorite holiday with my family in Detroit

Goals:

• Get completely unpacked and settled in before Chinese New Year.
• Keep up with not procrastination on homework.
• Fill the apartment up so that I can invite the ladies over asap.

Categorized: Events