Wow

3 weeks after my last post and I've come so far, geographically and in other ways.   I'm finding (or trying to find) my niche that I left just about 11 months ago.  Almost a year and it's an odd feeling.  On one hand, it seems like I never left.  And on the other hand, I did leave, and things change.  Just as they should but there's still an adjustment phase.

I'm currently living in a studio apartment behind the garage of a friend.  It's on the small side.  In my bedroom I'll have just enough room for a queen size bed (I refuse to get a double/full), a 4 foot long dresser that I will be re-finishing in the next few days, an end table that I will also be re-finishing to match the dresser and my laundry hamper.  The closet is nice and long and I'm thinking that all my clothes will fit just fine.  There is no real living room.  Unless you count the fabulous outdoor space that I have.  A covered porch and private back yard for Sasha are something that I would never have in an apartment complex or if I was renting a room from someone else.  I have a full kitchen (minus dish washer but, eh) and a place for a kitchen table and chairs which is currently being occupied by my ottoman that's doubling as a couch.  And then I have a 3 piece bathroom.  No tub, but I don't take that many baths anyway.  

The best part of all is that I've been given freedom, with the exception of knocking down walls, to decorate and paint anyway I'd like.  I've coated the whole place in paint and am now ready to finish up with curtains and misc.  

I haven't gotten to the park yet and I'm a little sad about that.  But I'm also feeling the need to nest and get settled.  I have been up to the fish house a few times to visit and see my friends.  And of course eat, lol.  

This weekend is D's wedding and I'm getting excited.  It seems to be a really fun time.  

So....eventually I will post pictures of my before and after projects.  Right now I'm just trying not to overwhelm myself and I keep thinking in the back of my head that job searching is just around the corner.  Hope everyone is doing well. :)

T-Minus 7 Days Until U-Haul Pick Up

So...I'm keeping sane only by thinking about life one day at a time.  Dwelling too much on the fact that by the end of this month I will be in Oregon is kinda freaking me out, I won't lie.

But every time I think I might change my mind.....every time I imagine staying in Panama City for my friends and family, I break out into imaginary hives.  This city has nothing to offer me.  And my family and friends cannot be expected to make up for this fact to keep me happy.  I would literally turn into an empty shell.

I have so much stuff to get from my storage shed and sift through.  Going to pick up the last of it tomorrow and re-pack for optimum space saving.  I'm really worried I won't have enough room for everything, so I may be doing a little minimalizing this next week as well.  

Wish me luck! lol

 

Can't decide

I haven't posted in quite a while and I think it's because of how I had my blog titled.  I decided to go back to the beginning.  Especially now that I really am going back to the beginning.  2 years ago, I was in this spot.  BUT, I know so much more now....  About myself, where I want to be and what's waiting for me there.  

I have a place to live.  My friend Kole is going to let me rent out her 1 bedroom studio apartment.  The bedroom is small, but I am so excited to be getting a kitchen and private bath. :)  She has also given me permission to paint and decorate (of course, after running colors by her) the whole space so that I get to make it 'mine'.  She is ALSO going to be flying down here a day before I leave to hang out, go to the beach and then ride back with me.  

I'm hoping my 5 months of full-time hard work can pay the moving bills and keep me steady for the first month or two up in Oregon.  I'm still see-sawing about getting a full-time job as opposed to a part-time job but I'm going to decide that once I get up there and settled.  

I will be posting more as the time comes and hopefully just as much when I get up there.