Happy Weekend

The weekend begins for me very soon. I have so, so much to do … from my freelance invoices, typing up my notes from an enterprise story I’ve been working on all week finishing up at my old apartment.

In the meantime, I’m taking a break and having some “me” time … starting tonight with a road trip to Mt. Airy for a bonfire with friends. I’m excited for hoodies and sneakers and hopefully a smore or two.

Tomorrow I’m going home for the first time in three weeks to see the family and vote! And for some yummy Italian food. I am craving spaghetti and meatballs.

Sunday I am going to see Mercy Me again with friends from back home. I saw them last year and I listen to their latest album frequently when I’m driving to assignments or to church so I’m looking forward to seeing them again.

Do something for yourself this weekend! See you next week!

Minor adjustments.

I had no idea how much stuff I actually had accumulated since May until this week when I moved all my possessions 10 miles down the road to Shepherdstown. There are still things on my closet floor that need to be gone through; clothes I need to donate, pillows to find a place for.

The move itself went surprisingly smooth for a cold and windy October day when snow was threatened. Three of my guy friends showed up Wednesday morning, late as usual, to load my furniture and help take down curtain rods.

In between cleaning my old place and finding a home for all my stuff in my room, I’ve been researching in Shepherdstown for a story on the German Street economy. It’s coming along well and tomorrow is the last day to finish my research and write. I also ran to Berkeley Springs (56 miles round trip on a twisty road) to get acquainted with the county clerk’s office, where I’ll be working on Tuesday for the election and interview a master’s sergeant in the Air Force who is stationed in Japan and deployed in Iraq. That was interesting.

My parents keep asking about the move and how things are and I feel (I hope she feels the same way …) that so far, things are going well. It’s nice to have someone in the house and people to eat dinner with and joke around with. And Marley, the house cat is definitely a nice addition to the routine. She followed me all around this morning as I got ready for work before Bethany got up.

Things with my decision to cut off contact is going well. I’m actually surprised how well I’m adjusting to this. It’s like I quit cold turkey and didn’t look back. It’s actually nice to have that time to do other things so I’m not complaining.

Do you know what I realized tonight? I haven’t taken one photo of the leaves or anything for that matter, since October 1. That is sad my friend. So that is my resolution for next month. Driving back from Berkeley Springs I noticed the colors and I’m glad I had that time to observe and just chill. The drive was worth it.

This weekend I’m going home to vote and see the family; it has been about 3 weeks and I’m definitely looking forward to it.

lunch time

I just met the man in this photo. His name is David Selvin and he’s a writer. He is going to be moving into my apartment when I move. What’s even more ironic is that he lived in this exact same apartment years ago.

He complimented me on my decorating style, asked if I had been to Paris or Venice (I have posters) and then we started talking. I found out he’s a journalist and has worked for BBC and NPR. He has taught in England. He lost his leg to poor circulation and moved to Martinsburg because of a friend of his who just happened to own my apartment building.

I told him I worked for the paper and he started talking about journalism and told me to always be objective and to always tell the truth. We had a good time chatting and I’m honored to have met him. He’s very open and didn’t mind my questions. I told him the next time I see him on the street I’ll say hello and I hope we can get a cup of coffee sometime. It was amazing to see him go in and out of our building, which has two small steps but somehow he does it. I was terrified he would fall, but I guess he’s used to it.

He was absolutely remarkable and encouraged me to travel and go to graduate school. I found out he’s written several novels (5!). I’d love to read them. Before he left I told him now I know where he lives, so hopefully I can talk to him again. I love meeting people who are writers/former journalists. (I firmly believe that you’re always a writer.)

That’s my quick lunch-time post. I’m moving tomorrow. It might snow and I think I have allergies or I’m getting a cold.

Have a great week!

Changes and plans

I made a few changes with the pages on this blog. I am going to re-write the “directions to where I am” page and I took summer 2008 off since it’s pretty much over. If this cool weather is any indication, I don’t know what is!

I’m moving past “Text and Pixels” by changing the name to Moving Forward. It may change again if I ever come up with a better idea.

I’ve been doing some cleaning around the apartment and enjoying my final week here and the convenience of being so close to my office. Like getting in the shower at 10:30 a.m. or going home to make a grilled cheese and tomato soup. (Yum!)

This evening I went to Target to get a gift for a baby shower I’m going to on Sunday. While I was there, I found a beautiful shawl-neck sweater dress I need/want so bad. It would look awesome with my black tights and black flats. I also found a cropped jacket I like and several things for my new room once I get settled. Mainly mirrors and shelves and possibly a floor lamp. We shall see.

I’m looking forward to this weekend. It’s going to be a roomie reunion of sorts. Tomorrow evening my best friend is coming into town and we’re going to the ladie’s PJ party at our church. I’m not too sure about that one but we’re going to leave early, crash at my place and sleep in and make brunch with our other room mate Maggie. We have other fun college days things planned and I’m excited to spend some time with my favorite girls. I think it will be the perfect therapy.

I haven’t spoken to “the boy” since my last post … other than a quick response to a text he sent asking if I blocked him. So far, I’ve been able to keep my self preoccupied. I think this move is coming at a good time.

Progress.

(Click to enlarge)

I created this today in somewhat of a rush for the Christmas play I’m promoting. If you’re in the area in December, please come!

This is the second thing we’ve signed off on. I’m excited about all we’ve got going on.

Weekend!

Tomorrow:

• Clean my car. (it’s pathetically dirty)
• Fill out application for University of Maryland. (The application is filled out as much as possible, now it’s just a matter of getting letters, writing my personal statement, etc.)
• Update Resume.
• Buy a pair of pearls.
• Find a friend that will let me do laundry at their dorm.

Today was homecoming at Shepherd. This is the only time during the season that I attempt to go to a football game. I always enjoy going to the parade. Of running seeing the streets of Shepherdstown filled and seeing familiar faces that I went to school with.

My friends and I partake in the dining hall’s catered luncheon on the Midway and then it’s off to Ram Stadium for the big game. This year we played West Virginia Wesleyan and won. I saw my cousin who attends Wesleyan. And some former classmates, including an old RA who is now working in Maryland and gave me a connection for a job that may be something I can look into as I’m considering graduate school at the University of Maryland at College Park.

I haven’t been sleeping well lately. If I wake up before my alarm goes off, I have an awful time going back to sleep. This morning I tossed and turned and finally fell asleep for another hour or so before my alarm went off and I got up to get ready to go meet my friends for the parade.

Things are looking up … now, I just have to be patient.

It’s official

I’m moving. Details are still being worked out, but I could be moved in the by the first!

Along with being in Shepherdstown, I’m excited about getting to redecorate my bedroom. I’m thinking one of these …

Lots to be excited about.

In the meantime … I have lots to do. Along with calling about my utilities, packing up my posessions and moving them 10 miles down the road, I gotta work! And get my hair cut! And register for the GRE!

It’ll all work out. I know that for sure.