Well, you all should be proud of me. I got out of the house today and talked with the neighbors. People around here are either named Debbie or Jeff it seems, so this will get confusing.
Debbie, who is Sandy's (18 year old) grandma, and the neighbor Michelle's mom, who is Sandy's step mom (confusing right?)...anyhow she came over to introduce herself and ask if I needed a ride to the grocery store. So then we started chatting and I came out and sat on the porch. She told me she wished she knew what there was to do around here, but there is nothing. Ron and Carrol (married, and Carrol just turned 51) were out, and so was the other Debbie, plus Sandy and Sandy's niece (3) and nephew (5). Found out the boy, Riley, found his daddy's playboys and had them under his bed. So I got to know my neighbors a lot better. Then Debbie (grandma) apologized for the fight I heard the other night. She was so embarrassed. But then she asked if I wanted to go for a walk, so I agreed. How about that?
So we walked Sissy, the community dog, up to the cemetary, which butts up with IUP and the old dorms. I could see the grocery store and my new favorite store Ollie's, so it's an easy enough walk (especially on days like today, nice and cool). We got up near the old dorms and someone kept whistling, and Debbie was so excited, "oh you're first whistle in Indiana!" Of course, I couldn't see who was doing it, darn it. But we also heard the marching band practicing. I enjoyed the walk a lot.
People around here like to talk. They are also very nice and helpful. Apparently they say it's going to start getting cold now, so I have to get on getting a jacket. I'm actually wearing pajama pants right now.
So I had an eventful evening. I'm trying to make dinner right now, but my chicken isn't going so well. Never been a good chicken cooker. That's all for now!
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Tomatoes
Just checking in. Not too much to report.
Yesterday was really a relaxing day. I spent most of it sleeping. I did attempt to put together my dresser, and then realized I had screwed in 40 of the wrong screws, so I didn't really get too far. Also, my phone never got hooked up yesterday.
Today has been about cleaning, yay! My living room is ALMOST clean. My poor coffee table is just piled high with stuff I really don't know what to do with. Also my kitchen is coming along nicely. Washed a lot of my dishes and things, since I made pasta last night and forgot to wash my pot I used, so I could taste the new pot taste.
Hey I see some neighbors out riding bikes in the parking lot. I've never seen them...
I saw the postman out doing the post, so I ran down to get a couple letters in the mail, but missed him. I thought today I'd have mail from Netflix, and was disappointed. So since it's such a nice cool day today, I weeded my flower bed. Ryan will be upset, but I left a patch of clovers until I can decide for sure if they really are harmful. I pulled 4 tomatoes off my tomato plants too.
Neighbors on the other side came home today: Ron and Carroll. Nice people, really chatty. They are happy to know I won't be causing problems.
I get my phone turned on Wednesday. I have to go to the store to get a phone cord though, because I didn't pack mine. The only thing I left at home that I wanted was my sunglasses too, so not too bad on forgetting things.
That reminds me. My mom called yesterday after she got home. Can't leave Todd and my dad alone. The grass out back is dead, my mom's roses in the front are dead, there was a sink full of dishes, the a/c was on a timer, no remote in the house worked...and apparently Todd thinks now that I'm gone, he can rule the house. He took out the swamp cooler finally, but left a gaping hole in the side of the house. So heat pours through it, and you can see through the little shutters my mom put in front of the cooler. Then, his room is sparkling clean, but he threw all his laundry in my old room, which of course they didn't bother to clean. My mom was mad! And then Todd had the nerve to tell her when he got home "I'm leaving, I don't want to hear it!" My poor mom. Oh and lastly, my dad's idea of grocery shopping was to buy 6 microwaved country crock mashed potatoes and 2 cases of diet green tea. How will they ever function without me?
So nothing exciting to report. Trying to decide what I want for dinner tonight, even though I'm ready for lunch and it's going on 4. That's what I get for sleeping too much.
Yesterday was really a relaxing day. I spent most of it sleeping. I did attempt to put together my dresser, and then realized I had screwed in 40 of the wrong screws, so I didn't really get too far. Also, my phone never got hooked up yesterday.
Today has been about cleaning, yay! My living room is ALMOST clean. My poor coffee table is just piled high with stuff I really don't know what to do with. Also my kitchen is coming along nicely. Washed a lot of my dishes and things, since I made pasta last night and forgot to wash my pot I used, so I could taste the new pot taste.
Hey I see some neighbors out riding bikes in the parking lot. I've never seen them...
I saw the postman out doing the post, so I ran down to get a couple letters in the mail, but missed him. I thought today I'd have mail from Netflix, and was disappointed. So since it's such a nice cool day today, I weeded my flower bed. Ryan will be upset, but I left a patch of clovers until I can decide for sure if they really are harmful. I pulled 4 tomatoes off my tomato plants too.
Neighbors on the other side came home today: Ron and Carroll. Nice people, really chatty. They are happy to know I won't be causing problems.
I get my phone turned on Wednesday. I have to go to the store to get a phone cord though, because I didn't pack mine. The only thing I left at home that I wanted was my sunglasses too, so not too bad on forgetting things.
That reminds me. My mom called yesterday after she got home. Can't leave Todd and my dad alone. The grass out back is dead, my mom's roses in the front are dead, there was a sink full of dishes, the a/c was on a timer, no remote in the house worked...and apparently Todd thinks now that I'm gone, he can rule the house. He took out the swamp cooler finally, but left a gaping hole in the side of the house. So heat pours through it, and you can see through the little shutters my mom put in front of the cooler. Then, his room is sparkling clean, but he threw all his laundry in my old room, which of course they didn't bother to clean. My mom was mad! And then Todd had the nerve to tell her when he got home "I'm leaving, I don't want to hear it!" My poor mom. Oh and lastly, my dad's idea of grocery shopping was to buy 6 microwaved country crock mashed potatoes and 2 cases of diet green tea. How will they ever function without me?
So nothing exciting to report. Trying to decide what I want for dinner tonight, even though I'm ready for lunch and it's going on 4. That's what I get for sleeping too much.
Thursday, August 16, 2007
the bus
So I'm having the same problems a lot of you are having with this thing, which is frustrating. I posted earlier today, but it obviously didn't post. That's ok, this one will have more details anyway.
Today I woke up feeling a lot better, and more energized. That was until I went nutty looking for my open coffee, so I thought, hmm my hip feels okay, I'll walk up to Starbucks. So I found some other coffee (thanks to Kim and Kathy's box o'stuff) and went up to work in my office. Got the computer hooked up and my chair put together, and then decided, you know, I should just try to ride the bus today.
I walked up to the mall, which only bothered my hip a little bit. I saw 2 buses drive by me though and realized, I don't know WHERE in the mall the bus stop is! So I hike through the mall, turn towards KMart, and lo and behold, there is the bus waiting outside. However, by the time I turned the corner, the bus pulled away.
I called Pops to kill some time and tell him about my adventure, but while I was sitting in the mall cooling off, another bus drove by and I missed it too! So I decided I had better wait outside. I had to wait 45 more minutes for another bus, and was on the phone with Sarah when it arrived. I told her, OH the bus, I gotta go! Even though I wasn't even sure it was the right bus.
Rode around town and freaked for a moment when the bus went to residential parts unknown, but then saw downtown. Finally some guy in the back pulled the cord to stop and luckily it was right by school, so I hopped out too. Even better, it was right by the HUB, grand central station for us students. I was able to get my ID card, so now I can ride the bus for free, and got my other required books, plus some other knickknacks.
I decided, so far so good, let me try to find my building. Found it relatively easily enough, and the oak grove, so I stopped there to have a snack and chat on the phone some more with my sis. I ventured into McElhaney Hall, through the Economics department and Sociology, and thought, maybe I'm wrong, until I realized there was a 3rd ground floor. There were the double doors to the Department of Criminology, my new home away from home. I walked in and met Jeff, another PhD student (kind of cute) and saw where I'll be working (he said with probably 2 or 3 other students). So I'm feeling good about finding my way around campus, kind of. I meet my new boss on Wednesday, so at least I won't be freaking out.
Had to find another bus stop, and by then the humidity was killing me. Finally found one, and ended up on the phone with Twylla. Same thing with Sarah, I had to jump off the phone when the bus pulled up, but this time I at least rode for free.
Again, I started to freak about how I would get off, but figured most of the schedules I looked at stopped at the mall, so I should be good there. This bus however, announced each bus stop, or at least most of them. Around here, not all the bus stops are clearly marked (maybe it's like that at home, I have no clue). We headed down this street, Lilac and I kept thinking, that's right across from me and it had a stop. When I got to the mall I got off and asked the bus driver what the best way to get to school would be. He wasn't too helpful, but his relief ended up being nicer which coaxed him into being a little more friendly. So now I know I can walk across the street, and when school starts, there will be a bus every half hour that goes up to campus. Until then, it's hit or miss on the bus for me, yippee. I have to get on transporting my car!
Back at the mall I decided to run into Kmart for a tub stopper which they didn't have, but bought some more supplies for home. I couldn't wait to get in the door and turn on the a/c.
That was my big adventure in Indiana today. Ryan and my mom seemed impressed with my motivation. I guess maybe I am a little too. So I think I'm really going to be okay, and hopefully time goes quick enough.
Today I woke up feeling a lot better, and more energized. That was until I went nutty looking for my open coffee, so I thought, hmm my hip feels okay, I'll walk up to Starbucks. So I found some other coffee (thanks to Kim and Kathy's box o'stuff) and went up to work in my office. Got the computer hooked up and my chair put together, and then decided, you know, I should just try to ride the bus today.
I walked up to the mall, which only bothered my hip a little bit. I saw 2 buses drive by me though and realized, I don't know WHERE in the mall the bus stop is! So I hike through the mall, turn towards KMart, and lo and behold, there is the bus waiting outside. However, by the time I turned the corner, the bus pulled away.
I called Pops to kill some time and tell him about my adventure, but while I was sitting in the mall cooling off, another bus drove by and I missed it too! So I decided I had better wait outside. I had to wait 45 more minutes for another bus, and was on the phone with Sarah when it arrived. I told her, OH the bus, I gotta go! Even though I wasn't even sure it was the right bus.
Rode around town and freaked for a moment when the bus went to residential parts unknown, but then saw downtown. Finally some guy in the back pulled the cord to stop and luckily it was right by school, so I hopped out too. Even better, it was right by the HUB, grand central station for us students. I was able to get my ID card, so now I can ride the bus for free, and got my other required books, plus some other knickknacks.
I decided, so far so good, let me try to find my building. Found it relatively easily enough, and the oak grove, so I stopped there to have a snack and chat on the phone some more with my sis. I ventured into McElhaney Hall, through the Economics department and Sociology, and thought, maybe I'm wrong, until I realized there was a 3rd ground floor. There were the double doors to the Department of Criminology, my new home away from home. I walked in and met Jeff, another PhD student (kind of cute) and saw where I'll be working (he said with probably 2 or 3 other students). So I'm feeling good about finding my way around campus, kind of. I meet my new boss on Wednesday, so at least I won't be freaking out.
Had to find another bus stop, and by then the humidity was killing me. Finally found one, and ended up on the phone with Twylla. Same thing with Sarah, I had to jump off the phone when the bus pulled up, but this time I at least rode for free.
Again, I started to freak about how I would get off, but figured most of the schedules I looked at stopped at the mall, so I should be good there. This bus however, announced each bus stop, or at least most of them. Around here, not all the bus stops are clearly marked (maybe it's like that at home, I have no clue). We headed down this street, Lilac and I kept thinking, that's right across from me and it had a stop. When I got to the mall I got off and asked the bus driver what the best way to get to school would be. He wasn't too helpful, but his relief ended up being nicer which coaxed him into being a little more friendly. So now I know I can walk across the street, and when school starts, there will be a bus every half hour that goes up to campus. Until then, it's hit or miss on the bus for me, yippee. I have to get on transporting my car!
Back at the mall I decided to run into Kmart for a tub stopper which they didn't have, but bought some more supplies for home. I couldn't wait to get in the door and turn on the a/c.
That was my big adventure in Indiana today. Ryan and my mom seemed impressed with my motivation. I guess maybe I am a little too. So I think I'm really going to be okay, and hopefully time goes quick enough.
mom and Ryan update
I talked to Ryan awhile ago. He had to call me to tell me that he and my mom have been on the road the entire time! They stopped at a rest stop or some place for about an hour, and then Ryan started driving again. My mom barely started driving this morning, and they are already in New Mexico! They should be to Ryan's by this evening.
So far I've been working on my office, getting my computer set up and desk chair together. Been hunting for my coffee all morning, which my mom swears is in the pantry, but I couldn't find it, so because of that, I've decided I'm going to walk to Starbucks today and get some of my other bags of beans ground. I'm also going to attemp to ride the bus, so wish me luck. I figured if I spent today lost on a bus, I wouldn't really be hurting anyone or any plans. Better to get lost now, then do it when I have to be at school. I have a meeting with my boss on Wednesday at 10, so I have to figure this out by then, or walk. My hip is doing much better today, but I have a feeling if I pushed myself today, I'd do more harm than good. So...therefore, the bus it is. And in the event I actually make it to school, I'm buying books and getting my ID card so then the bus will be free. I'll update on how that goes after my adventure.
I've heard from a few people that comments are getting lost and not being posted. I know that has to be frustrating. I did get your comments Meemaw, and got Suzy's today. Poor Erin got so tired of it, she just emailed me. But I appreciate it, so thanks!
So far I've been working on my office, getting my computer set up and desk chair together. Been hunting for my coffee all morning, which my mom swears is in the pantry, but I couldn't find it, so because of that, I've decided I'm going to walk to Starbucks today and get some of my other bags of beans ground. I'm also going to attemp to ride the bus, so wish me luck. I figured if I spent today lost on a bus, I wouldn't really be hurting anyone or any plans. Better to get lost now, then do it when I have to be at school. I have a meeting with my boss on Wednesday at 10, so I have to figure this out by then, or walk. My hip is doing much better today, but I have a feeling if I pushed myself today, I'd do more harm than good. So...therefore, the bus it is. And in the event I actually make it to school, I'm buying books and getting my ID card so then the bus will be free. I'll update on how that goes after my adventure.
I've heard from a few people that comments are getting lost and not being posted. I know that has to be frustrating. I did get your comments Meemaw, and got Suzy's today. Poor Erin got so tired of it, she just emailed me. But I appreciate it, so thanks!
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
home aloney on my owny
Direct tv guy is here setting up my tv, but other than that, I'm on my own. My mom cried pretty hard, and I haven't checked in with her yet. They just might be in St. Louis by now, or darn near close.
So today I've taken a nap, talked to Brian, watched Elizabethtown (which started me crying, and luckily the direct tv guy called, so I stopped), paid my rent and sent out some post cards. I so badly need to clean, but today is all about rest...probably tomorrow too. I have to figure out the bus schedule so I can go down to school and get my books, and go to the driver's liscence center and get that taken care of. Other than that, everything is ready to go.
I am so so exhausted. I don't think homesickness has set in yet, although my stomach is all yucky. I guess it still feels like vacation. We'll see how I sleep tonight though.
I know a lot of people are excited for me, so that really helps. I appreciate all the support everyone is giving me. I love hearing from everyone, so don't be a stranger.
So today I've taken a nap, talked to Brian, watched Elizabethtown (which started me crying, and luckily the direct tv guy called, so I stopped), paid my rent and sent out some post cards. I so badly need to clean, but today is all about rest...probably tomorrow too. I have to figure out the bus schedule so I can go down to school and get my books, and go to the driver's liscence center and get that taken care of. Other than that, everything is ready to go.
I am so so exhausted. I don't think homesickness has set in yet, although my stomach is all yucky. I guess it still feels like vacation. We'll see how I sleep tonight though.
I know a lot of people are excited for me, so that really helps. I appreciate all the support everyone is giving me. I love hearing from everyone, so don't be a stranger.
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Moving in and up
Well, I'm moved into my new place. I have to admit, I was worried when I first saw the place. It's yellow and brick, and my neighbors all came out and looked at our car when we drove by, and I just thought, great I'm moving into the ghetto. I should not judge a book by its cover.
We met Carl finally, who is like any of my old Ned's customers. My mom shmoozed him by talking about his antique collections, and his one of a kind car. He gave us the keys and we went to check out #5. As soon as I walked in I felt a whole lot better about this move. You walk into my living room, and the stairs are on the left. You walk straight and go into the kitchen, which is bigger than my parents kitchen. A nice surprise is that my townhouse is actually 3 stories! I have a full basement which is HUGE! Too bad I have nothing to put down there, but if I ever want roommates, I could have a bunch.
Upstairs is my 2 rooms and bathroom. The rooms have an ugly gold carpet in them, so I might be getting a rug for my room. I can't believe how much space I have and it's all mine! So we went back and signed the lease and got to unloading the car.
We unpacked a heck of a lot quicker than it took to pack up the car. After that, Ryan and I left to go shop for a car, bed and couch. We stopped at Big Lots and I got a nice, comfy, oversized couch for $300, and a serta full sized bed. Had trouble with my credit card though, thanks to chase not authorizing out of state purchases, and ended up writing a check, which I did all over town after that. We looked around at some car lots, and the 4runner we had seen on a corner, but after awhile Ryan mentioned that everyone here mainly drove cars, not trucks and suv's. So I called pops and he said my car is running so nice now that the struts are fixed, so he said he didn't see why I couldn't ship my car here. Ryan talked to some guy in the bathroom at JC Penny's and he said his daughter drives 11 miles in an old car to get to school, so I should be fine in my mustang. So that was that, I'm getting my car shipped and I'm so so so happy, because I just love my car.
We ended up at Kmart and bought my pots and pans, more stuff for my kitchen, lamps and a window a/c. Found a verizon store so Ryan could get his phone fixed, and they said they'd give him a new one, so we had to go home to write down his numbers.
Got my electric put into my name and they were also able to do my phone and internet. I get my phone on friday, and 6 days after that, my internet (I'm currently using someone's wireless around here).
Went out again, and this time Ryan was on a mission to find someone to take my couch and bed home, since the guy Big Lots recommended couldn't do it until the next day. The second attempt, Ryan found a guy at the closed hobby shop with a truck who said he would do it. People are nice around here. You know in California nobody would do that, and if they did, they'd probably take off with your stuff.
Went to lunch downtown. Oh...when Ryan and I found downtown I was sooooo much more happier about where I was living! It's like walking in downtown pasadena (except not the nice expensive shops). I know I'll be spending free time walking around down there. Ryan could even tell I looked happier when we drove down there. So we ate at Murphy's II, famous for wings, and they were so good. The whole kitchen staff had to come out and look at Ryan though.
Opened my bank account. The lady I had, had been working at PNC for 35 years, so she was on the ball.
Got some stuff unpacked and boxes put into the rooms they needed to be in. Then Ryan and I headed off to downtown again to go to the Coney's, and Irish bar, for a drink and to mingle with the locals.
Walking in, I loved it. However, it was kind of dead, and I thought, great there's no one to mingle with. There were 4 older people sitting near us, and across from us, 2 young guys. Monday night football started, and finally the 4some started talking to us by offering us some of their chicken wings. I had 2, and they were so good too. Found out 2 of them were from Tuscan. One of them also happens to be related to the owner's of Vince's spaghetti back home. What are the odds? Such a small world. Home follows you where ever you go.
Got pretty tuned up there, and went to Walmart to shop some more. Pretty much have everything I need, besides food now. Found out the trash bags I have to use are $16.50 for 5 bags though. Have to find out where my neighbors dump their trash, because for as many of us as there are, the trash isn't very full.
Oh yeah, found an outlet store called Ollie's. It was awesome. Found my dresser there, plant hangers for my porch, sheets...it's an awesome store. Wish we had gone there first, but oh well.
Met some neighbors. Jeff and his sister walked over as we were unloading. She told me there is a stray cat my neighbor feeds, and Jeff asked if I was ok with him practicing his southern rock band. Told him about Pops and his band and equipment, and later we heard him practicing. He's good. He said sometimes the band comes over and plays for the neighbors, so that will be cool.
Next door is Jim and his 18 year old college bound daughter. Not IUP, some other school. Jim rides a motorcyle, and sometimes parks in my extra space, but Ryan told him if he looks out for me, it won't be a problem. Also found out the couple that lived here before me was a real pain, staying up all hours of the night, being nosey, and putting rocks in the dryer just to break them for the fun of it. Jim also keeps a community dog, and the old neighbor stole him and they had to put an ad in the paper to get him back. So I have a cat and a dog to play with that I don't have to take care of.
Today we got my a/c installed and my entertainment center. Got direct tv to come out tomorrow, which I'll need, since they are leaving in the morning.
I think I'm going to be fine here. Maybe not as homesick as I thought, and maybe it won't be so hard. School will probably be harder.
We met Carl finally, who is like any of my old Ned's customers. My mom shmoozed him by talking about his antique collections, and his one of a kind car. He gave us the keys and we went to check out #5. As soon as I walked in I felt a whole lot better about this move. You walk into my living room, and the stairs are on the left. You walk straight and go into the kitchen, which is bigger than my parents kitchen. A nice surprise is that my townhouse is actually 3 stories! I have a full basement which is HUGE! Too bad I have nothing to put down there, but if I ever want roommates, I could have a bunch.
Upstairs is my 2 rooms and bathroom. The rooms have an ugly gold carpet in them, so I might be getting a rug for my room. I can't believe how much space I have and it's all mine! So we went back and signed the lease and got to unloading the car.
We unpacked a heck of a lot quicker than it took to pack up the car. After that, Ryan and I left to go shop for a car, bed and couch. We stopped at Big Lots and I got a nice, comfy, oversized couch for $300, and a serta full sized bed. Had trouble with my credit card though, thanks to chase not authorizing out of state purchases, and ended up writing a check, which I did all over town after that. We looked around at some car lots, and the 4runner we had seen on a corner, but after awhile Ryan mentioned that everyone here mainly drove cars, not trucks and suv's. So I called pops and he said my car is running so nice now that the struts are fixed, so he said he didn't see why I couldn't ship my car here. Ryan talked to some guy in the bathroom at JC Penny's and he said his daughter drives 11 miles in an old car to get to school, so I should be fine in my mustang. So that was that, I'm getting my car shipped and I'm so so so happy, because I just love my car.
We ended up at Kmart and bought my pots and pans, more stuff for my kitchen, lamps and a window a/c. Found a verizon store so Ryan could get his phone fixed, and they said they'd give him a new one, so we had to go home to write down his numbers.
Got my electric put into my name and they were also able to do my phone and internet. I get my phone on friday, and 6 days after that, my internet (I'm currently using someone's wireless around here).
Went out again, and this time Ryan was on a mission to find someone to take my couch and bed home, since the guy Big Lots recommended couldn't do it until the next day. The second attempt, Ryan found a guy at the closed hobby shop with a truck who said he would do it. People are nice around here. You know in California nobody would do that, and if they did, they'd probably take off with your stuff.
Went to lunch downtown. Oh...when Ryan and I found downtown I was sooooo much more happier about where I was living! It's like walking in downtown pasadena (except not the nice expensive shops). I know I'll be spending free time walking around down there. Ryan could even tell I looked happier when we drove down there. So we ate at Murphy's II, famous for wings, and they were so good. The whole kitchen staff had to come out and look at Ryan though.
Opened my bank account. The lady I had, had been working at PNC for 35 years, so she was on the ball.
Got some stuff unpacked and boxes put into the rooms they needed to be in. Then Ryan and I headed off to downtown again to go to the Coney's, and Irish bar, for a drink and to mingle with the locals.
Walking in, I loved it. However, it was kind of dead, and I thought, great there's no one to mingle with. There were 4 older people sitting near us, and across from us, 2 young guys. Monday night football started, and finally the 4some started talking to us by offering us some of their chicken wings. I had 2, and they were so good too. Found out 2 of them were from Tuscan. One of them also happens to be related to the owner's of Vince's spaghetti back home. What are the odds? Such a small world. Home follows you where ever you go.
Got pretty tuned up there, and went to Walmart to shop some more. Pretty much have everything I need, besides food now. Found out the trash bags I have to use are $16.50 for 5 bags though. Have to find out where my neighbors dump their trash, because for as many of us as there are, the trash isn't very full.
Oh yeah, found an outlet store called Ollie's. It was awesome. Found my dresser there, plant hangers for my porch, sheets...it's an awesome store. Wish we had gone there first, but oh well.
Met some neighbors. Jeff and his sister walked over as we were unloading. She told me there is a stray cat my neighbor feeds, and Jeff asked if I was ok with him practicing his southern rock band. Told him about Pops and his band and equipment, and later we heard him practicing. He's good. He said sometimes the band comes over and plays for the neighbors, so that will be cool.
Next door is Jim and his 18 year old college bound daughter. Not IUP, some other school. Jim rides a motorcyle, and sometimes parks in my extra space, but Ryan told him if he looks out for me, it won't be a problem. Also found out the couple that lived here before me was a real pain, staying up all hours of the night, being nosey, and putting rocks in the dryer just to break them for the fun of it. Jim also keeps a community dog, and the old neighbor stole him and they had to put an ad in the paper to get him back. So I have a cat and a dog to play with that I don't have to take care of.
Today we got my a/c installed and my entertainment center. Got direct tv to come out tomorrow, which I'll need, since they are leaving in the morning.
I think I'm going to be fine here. Maybe not as homesick as I thought, and maybe it won't be so hard. School will probably be harder.
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Indiana, PA
Well...we made it to my new "home." Let me fill you in on the last 2 days before I launch into what my new home area is like.
Saturday was family day. Honestly, it was fun. Met a ton of family members from my mom's side of the family. What was really cool for me, was that my mom's uncle's family is Irish, so I heard lots of stories about Ireland and his family coming here. Plus he knew stories of my mom's grandparents coming here, so I learned more about my heritage. Uncle Marty is 86 and Aunt Dolores is 80, and they've been married 61 years. How crazy is that? And uncle Marty is a funny old guy, and he's quick with the jokes. They all wished me luck and invited me to spend the holidays or weekends with them. So I'm thinking perhaps Easter I'll go to Cleveland. We even saw my great grandmother's old house. Oh and who knew there was such a huge population of Irish people in Cleveland? And it really is beautiful. So very green with so many trees!
Saturday night we were so exhausted. I talk to Pops and he started crying on the phone about how he missed me. Even Todd said it was weird without me around. Pops ulcer is acting up he thinks, and I worry that it's because he's worried about me.
Today we got up and went to breakfast with Uncle Marty, Aunt Dolores and Patty, and we were 20 minutes from the place they love with is around the corner from them, and we STILL beat them there! We heard the story of their wedding, and how Mimi's friend's sister let Aunt Dolores borrow her dress and they pieced her together by borrowing things. Even heard about the tradition European custom of the money dance.
My mom is so happy to have gone. She cried thinking it would be the last time she saw them, but I told her she may be back sooner then she thinks. You never know.
We went to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. It was so awesome! I'm so happy we got to go there. It's amazing to see the costumes these people wore, they were so thin! And so many guitars. I kept wishing pops was there. He would love it. Of course, we'd never get him out of there and he'd talk our ears off and probably annoy the crap out of everyone around him drooling over the guitars...but he would love it. Bought my mom a tie-dyed shirt since she wouldn't buy it for herself and has only bought herself magnets on this trip. Then we were off to Indiana.
Uncle Marty had told us Pennsylvania is a lot like Ohio, only hillier. He was so right. We didn't get to drive through Pittsburgh, so I'll have to try to do that once I get a car and hopefully before school. It will suck not having Cliff to navigate me though.
The whole drive out along this windy, hilly road, Ryan kept saying things like, "there's your house!" as he pointed out a leaning shack, or how date night is at the Lick 'n Putt ice cream/golf course. I wasn't too hopeful about my new home as we kept driving and saw tractors and cars on blocks and nothing but trees. We dropped our stuff off at the hotel and I had grabbed some menus from the lobby. At one of the local chinese food places you can get "comblination dinners" and "beveryas." No joke, that's what the menu says and I'm so sending a copy to Ned's for Pete to see, he'll love it.
So we got back in the car and drove to my new place, and saw the actual town. We found my townhouse first. It's yellow, and I think my apartment number is number 5, and the address I have right now is wrong. My neighbors all came out though, so it could be good that they are noisey enough to watch out for who is coming and going, but they were old. Went down to the college. I have to say, as soon as I saw the campus I felt more at home and at ease. It is such a beautiful campus. 10,000 times more beautiful than CSUSB. It has been a dream of mine to go to an old school where the campus was old and brick...and that's IUP. We found where I'm supposed to go for orientation, and we found the bookstore and the library and I have a general idea where my building is. Saw the oak grove that i've been watching online for months. Really beautiful.
We ended up eating at the Ponderosa Steakhouse, which is a lot like sizzlers...or at least Sizzlers back in the day. Then we went to Walmart. Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that just about everything is closed on Sundays, or closes super early. So I'm thinking, no excuses for not doing my homework. Even the waitress told Ryan, oh she'll have plenty of time to do homework.
Remind me to kick Tibbetts for getting me into this. Just kidding....like I said, school makes me feel comfortable and I'm looking forward to shopping tomorrow for stuff for my very own place. But tomorrow will be busy. I sign my lease, have to find a bed and a couch and a car. The car might be tough, however we saw a 4 runner for $3800 just behind the park behind my place, that Ryan says a mass murderer probably lives in. So as long as I find my checkbook, it's all good.
Have I mentioned that mother nature is really loud here? I mean like...I'll be calling you all back in Cali and telling you how I can't sleep because mother nature is too loud! It's a little scary. But you know, it's almost like living in Crestline, so it shouldn't be too bad. Ask me how bad it is once it snows though. ;)
Saturday was family day. Honestly, it was fun. Met a ton of family members from my mom's side of the family. What was really cool for me, was that my mom's uncle's family is Irish, so I heard lots of stories about Ireland and his family coming here. Plus he knew stories of my mom's grandparents coming here, so I learned more about my heritage. Uncle Marty is 86 and Aunt Dolores is 80, and they've been married 61 years. How crazy is that? And uncle Marty is a funny old guy, and he's quick with the jokes. They all wished me luck and invited me to spend the holidays or weekends with them. So I'm thinking perhaps Easter I'll go to Cleveland. We even saw my great grandmother's old house. Oh and who knew there was such a huge population of Irish people in Cleveland? And it really is beautiful. So very green with so many trees!
Saturday night we were so exhausted. I talk to Pops and he started crying on the phone about how he missed me. Even Todd said it was weird without me around. Pops ulcer is acting up he thinks, and I worry that it's because he's worried about me.
Today we got up and went to breakfast with Uncle Marty, Aunt Dolores and Patty, and we were 20 minutes from the place they love with is around the corner from them, and we STILL beat them there! We heard the story of their wedding, and how Mimi's friend's sister let Aunt Dolores borrow her dress and they pieced her together by borrowing things. Even heard about the tradition European custom of the money dance.
My mom is so happy to have gone. She cried thinking it would be the last time she saw them, but I told her she may be back sooner then she thinks. You never know.
We went to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. It was so awesome! I'm so happy we got to go there. It's amazing to see the costumes these people wore, they were so thin! And so many guitars. I kept wishing pops was there. He would love it. Of course, we'd never get him out of there and he'd talk our ears off and probably annoy the crap out of everyone around him drooling over the guitars...but he would love it. Bought my mom a tie-dyed shirt since she wouldn't buy it for herself and has only bought herself magnets on this trip. Then we were off to Indiana.
Uncle Marty had told us Pennsylvania is a lot like Ohio, only hillier. He was so right. We didn't get to drive through Pittsburgh, so I'll have to try to do that once I get a car and hopefully before school. It will suck not having Cliff to navigate me though.
The whole drive out along this windy, hilly road, Ryan kept saying things like, "there's your house!" as he pointed out a leaning shack, or how date night is at the Lick 'n Putt ice cream/golf course. I wasn't too hopeful about my new home as we kept driving and saw tractors and cars on blocks and nothing but trees. We dropped our stuff off at the hotel and I had grabbed some menus from the lobby. At one of the local chinese food places you can get "comblination dinners" and "beveryas." No joke, that's what the menu says and I'm so sending a copy to Ned's for Pete to see, he'll love it.
So we got back in the car and drove to my new place, and saw the actual town. We found my townhouse first. It's yellow, and I think my apartment number is number 5, and the address I have right now is wrong. My neighbors all came out though, so it could be good that they are noisey enough to watch out for who is coming and going, but they were old. Went down to the college. I have to say, as soon as I saw the campus I felt more at home and at ease. It is such a beautiful campus. 10,000 times more beautiful than CSUSB. It has been a dream of mine to go to an old school where the campus was old and brick...and that's IUP. We found where I'm supposed to go for orientation, and we found the bookstore and the library and I have a general idea where my building is. Saw the oak grove that i've been watching online for months. Really beautiful.
We ended up eating at the Ponderosa Steakhouse, which is a lot like sizzlers...or at least Sizzlers back in the day. Then we went to Walmart. Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that just about everything is closed on Sundays, or closes super early. So I'm thinking, no excuses for not doing my homework. Even the waitress told Ryan, oh she'll have plenty of time to do homework.
Remind me to kick Tibbetts for getting me into this. Just kidding....like I said, school makes me feel comfortable and I'm looking forward to shopping tomorrow for stuff for my very own place. But tomorrow will be busy. I sign my lease, have to find a bed and a couch and a car. The car might be tough, however we saw a 4 runner for $3800 just behind the park behind my place, that Ryan says a mass murderer probably lives in. So as long as I find my checkbook, it's all good.
Have I mentioned that mother nature is really loud here? I mean like...I'll be calling you all back in Cali and telling you how I can't sleep because mother nature is too loud! It's a little scary. But you know, it's almost like living in Crestline, so it shouldn't be too bad. Ask me how bad it is once it snows though. ;)
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