All moved in...

So I'm all moved in and finally settled into my place. I expected so much more but I can say that im happy. Living alone in a place you can call your own comes with a peace that's indescribable! I often finish my work days excited to go home to a place I can finally call 'home'. I missed the serenity this provides!!

But let me tell you about the experience... So, remember I was so ecstatic with anticipation of my new place?! I couldn't wait to receive my keys. I went to the office during my lunch break only to find that the office didn't have my move in papers ready- I had to wait almost an hour to see the leasing agent but I forgave them because my happiness far outweighed their lack of preparation. So I got my key and left to go see my apartment carrying my new best friend across the thresh hold: my cookie jar :) I wanted that to be the first thing I brought into the house and situated to make it feel like home instantly!

I opened the door and I immediately was disappointed... something was wrong and felt terribly off. The natural lighting in the place already sucks, so I searched for a light switch to reveal what I was feeling inside and it did. The apartment hadn't been turned over. The carpet was dirty and worn, the sinks, tubs and toilets were dirty, there were dishes in the cabinets and food in the freezer!!! Did they really expect me move into this place??? I began to juggle in my mind was I expecting too much? Was this really what I wanted? are they wrong or should I just clean it and be happy??? What do I do??... I calmed and went right back to the office and told the agent what I saw. Luckily he was VERY apologetic, followed me back to see the place himself and called in the orders to clean it all. The next day I got new carpet, discounted rent and a clean apartment to walk into!!! I took a home decor shopping trip and returned Friday feeling at least happy about the place again.

Saturday, about 8 of my friends kindly helped me move all of my things up 3 flights of stairs into my place! With a newly aqua accented living room and purple bedroom, I'm now finally in my place. And as I said in beginning... I'm just happy about the PEACE it brings :)




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Moving BACK in...

So I'm sitting at work anxious about going to get my key to and sign away my life for my new place today. The hook to one of Kanye's song repeatedly plays in my head "it's so ammmaazzing, so ammmazzzing!!!" because it really is. Who would have ever thought I would feel this way?!!!

Since 2005 I've consistently lived in my own place covering rent, utilities, and other amenities on my own. I had roommates for a few years so the cost was cheaper, but for the last 2 years I've been in a one bedroom apartment carrying the load alone and I've never once thought to myself "This is to expensive." or "Can you really afford this?" and I've also never gone without. So, it worked and I had no reservations-EVER. In fact, I was HAPPY!!! I happy and doing well.

Then life completely turned upside down in May of this year. The uncertain economy somewhat forced me out of my apartment (never mind that I willing gave it up to pursue a new start) and temporarily into a friend's house. I thought I would be relocating in to a new city, but God saw other wise and it's just into a new apartment. But this apartment IS a new place and this transition feels just as foreign as moving to a new city would. There's so much uncertainty, anxiety, and a residual of fear. But also a lot of excitement, possibility and a fresh feel of life anew. This journey is SO AMAZING in it's own way. Mentally I know on the surface, this is "just another apartment" but in my heart I know that this is the beginning of a new life. HUM!

~ARN

High school senior turn college freshmen- complex!!!

There is never a time better than the present!!!

I remember this past year of high school seniors that I work with and the hopeless despair that filled their eyes as they struggled to graduate and eagerly sought after a college career. Novice to the work amidst them, they complained, procrastinated, worked a little and talked a lot. But now they stand as high school diploma holders as they walk the sidewalks of Santa Fe College just proud and gleaming to be a college student.

With their new lives ahead of them, they are trying to reshape their perspective and actions to reflect their new stage in life. Attempting to be more professional and studious, they hit the libraries directly after class and intentionally turn in homework first so that their teachers notice them. Insecure however, they still walk with their heads downs a little as they listen to their iPods and try to remain hidden amongst the crowd. Oh the complexities of being a student, wanting to learn and be acknowledged for their efforts but afraid to shine!!! But as I said in the beginning, there is NEVER a better time than the present because today they are exactly where they need to be- a freshmen at Santa Fe College! I am so proud.