Brrrrr....

57 degrees. Wind. But still sunshine!

All day was cold. I even broke out the coat for the first time. And unfortunately the sliding doors to the linie were shut.

Today started at 7:30am. I picked up a little bit, went to the gym, and did laundry all at the same time. 3 loads = $7.50 = Not a happy girl.

On my way to the gym I took out some garbage. I think I did this wrong. Apparently Floridians do not use dumpsters. So I just threw my bags into the area. But I read the instructions and it said something about smashing it through some sort of machine. I have no clue so I left it and walked away. I will check into this.

Lunch consisted of a peanut butter sandwich and salad.

I cleaned up my room a lot today. Only about 2 boxes left to unpack. I really need some sort of shelving though because I don't know where to put the rest of my stuff. I did hang up my Mariah Carey poster that I carried around all of NYC with my momma. I can't figure out how to place my bed either. Dillemmas.

All this frustration caused me to watch 2 episodes of Jerry Springer. If you ever want to feel better about yourself I advise you to watch the show.

I went to Wal*Mart today, no surprise. I got some hangars again. Total: 21 packs. Lets hope this does the job. I also bought a vaccuum cleaner for $39.00. Not a bad deal. Stocked up on some Yoplait Light yogurt, skim milk, ham sandwhich meat, and cheese. The essentials.

I then headed to Kmart to return a rug I bought for a bigger size and a picture that I decided I didn't need. I grabbed 2 more hand towels and some how I ended up owing $3.05. I'm still stumped on the matter. However when I was waiting in the customer service line, an old lady asked me how Vancouver was and if it was snowing. So I did the right thing......I told her it only had snowed a little bit but everything was working out well and told her thanks for her support.

In this plaza was a Bealls (pronounced Bells) Outlet. I see this store in about every plaza here. I decided to waste some time and see what the hype was about. I'M IN LOVE. I bought designer pants for work for $9.99 each. There were shoes, bags, clothes, and tons of home furnashings for cheap, cheap, cheap. Once I get some money I can't wait to go back to help with my interior decorating!

By the time I came home it was dinner time. I thought it would be nice to make a real dinner of chicken parm with a little bit of spaghetti. Apparently I take after my mom and cannot measure out a serving of spaghetti pasta. I made way to much but went with it anyways. Poured some Ragu Light sauce in and through a chicken breast on top that George Foreman helped me make. Lets just say it was a sloppy mess and tasted like some form of spaghettios. I do not reccomend the sauce. I did get to use the garabage disposal for the first time.

Nonetheless, I washed it down with a glass of wine. Thank you Glenora. This was also my first alcoholic intake by myself.

The day went by fast. Work starts in 4 days. I am so ready. I need more human interaction. My ear is sore from all the phone conversations.

I think I will call it an early night and start all over tomorrow. It's not like I do not have anything to do. My motivation is to have everything looking good for Nicole, Bob, and Chris. Who would have thought I would have visitors so soon? I have awesome friends.

So sweet dreams everyone and I hope you had or having a great day!

P.s. I think I need a signature sign off. I'll see what I can do.

Going strong

Wednesday. Day 4 alone.

I started the day with taking a walk around my pond...and also taking a picture to rub it into Nicole's (best friend) face via text message. I then made my way into the gym towards destination skinny. The diet is going very well since I can only afford Special K and milk for now. I am spending my money on much more important items - like decorations.

Aunt Sheila provided me with a coupon of $30 off after spending $100. Of course I had no problem accepting. So I had another fun day of shopping.

While shopping for bathroom items, I ran into 3 older ladies who were redecorating a bathroom as well. We ended up indulging in conversation and I preceded to tell them this was the most interaction I have had with anyone here! I helped them with their choices as they helped me. With comments of "Oh hunny you have to get this....oh and this is a must! Oh and this color will be fabulous as an accent. And this too!" I let them put everything into my cart and then when they left - I took it all out. They were all old high school girlfriends and they still get together once a year in Florida to just hang out. I will never forget this day in the isle of toilet bowl cleaners, waste bins, and toothbrush holders where three outrageous women started off with asking me if "this looked good" to saying that I am a wonderful person with a bright future and that they will pray for me. It ended with a hug and we parted ways. Yes, I know I hate hugs.

Update -
Kitchen decorated. Check.
Bathroom decorated. Check.

I then headed off to Bank of America to start an account. The lady there, Jamie, was super friendly and helped me out a lot. Yet again she is not from Florida. Nobody is, but I am destined to find at least one! This is also the bank where after spending $12.50 it will round up and put the additional .50 into my savings (example). I like this idea. I also signed up for another credit card. I only have one so I decided it would be okay. I will only accept if the interest is low enough because it is individually based. Cha-Ching? Just playin'.

How could I forget?! My bathroom looks gorgeous. Practically right out of HGTV. Seashell theme with teal and light blue colors.

Later on, while on my linie (I really should look up the appropriate spelling) I spotted 3 men getting out of a car that I am thinking were about my age. Of course I am excited because I have not met anyone my age yet. Secretly I tried to make myself noticeable and wandered around to try to catch their attention. Mission failed. I was too late for them to see me. I will continue spying.

I had very long phone conversations today with my gramma and Bushi and Jaji. This makes my day go faster and of course provides time to talk about me :) and them.

Another interruption - I would like to thank everyone for voting on Facebook concerning my McKelvey scholarship. They just sent me an additional $1,300 to assist in paying off my last semester.

Dinner was delicious tonight. 2 eggs toast and banana cream pudding for dessert. Soon I will end my night in Olympics and possibly talking with Kyle.

Tomorrow I have hopes of not spending money and getting the bedroom unpacked. But I am accepting towards a change of plans.

I must be good company because I am not yet lonely.

*Stories*

MOVED IN! Oh and forgot to mention that I have my own Linie (spelling?!) It's a screened in porch.

Kyle and I unloaded Betty and took everything I packed up three flights of steps and threw it into the living room.

He took me to Wal*Mart and bought tooons more stuff. Oh and a new 32in Sanyo TV :) I was a good girl.

The next day, Saturday, I wake up and take a shower. I thought something was really weird about taking this shower but I went about my business. After I am done I realize there was no shower curtain.....so the floor is soaked and it was a mess. Nonetheless, Kyle had to take a shower the same way - but moving the shower head towards the wall.

We get ready for the day and meet Sheila. Aunt Sheila. We were all going to a Habitat for Humanity to look for anything really. Well she got lucky because we found another location at even more discounted prices! She told everyone we were her kids and got us even bigger discounts by her own tactics. Needless to say, we walked out of there with a couch and two end tables for $40.00. Thank you Aunt Sheila. Her boyfriend Bob came to load it up in his truck and to drop it off at my apartment. That's right - my apartment!

Bob and Sheila were both impressed with how much stuff we had unloaded from my car. Bob thought I lived here for awhile! Meanwhile, she looked over my apartment and luckily approved of everything. I like getting her approval! She noticed some things I never would have thought about and we made a list of things to fist. Overall her statement was "I would live here and you did good girl!" I like to here this kind of stuff.

I also got a new bed! A big bed! Kyle and I scoped out some places and found the right place. We talked to the man and he knew a guy that I will be working with. He was odd and told me that I wanted a bed that was "yummy!". All in all, with me working at IMG, and Kyle's awesome negotiating skills we got the mattress, box springs, and the frame for $300. It's a New England brand pillow top. Quite yummy I would say!

Oh and of course Kyle loaded everything on top of Betty (My car if you forgot). This was very embarrassing transporting back to my place. Everyone was looking at me and of course there was a lot of traffic. So I open the door so it would be easier for us to bring it in. Apparently Kyle did not want to wait because muscles picks up the mattresses and carries it up three flights of steps. Oh, my man!

Sometime during all of this we also stopped in the beach to check it out. Gorgeous. I understand this is a bit out of order!

Back to Aunt Sheila.
Her and Bob provided us with a pork barbecue dinner with so many sides and drinks of course. She makes things happen. We also meet her mother who was an adorable lady! She knew Uncle Fred, Uncle Jack and Aunt Joanne, and Bushie and Jaji and some others. She remember most that Jaji gave up his bed for her at camp one day. What a noble man.

Sad story now: Kyle goes home.
Kyle and I headed out to Orlando Saturday night to get a hotel and be up by 5am Sunday morning to see him off. This was a bit rough. That was the moment I realized I was about to be all alone and have my turn of making it by myself. He was the best help I could have ever had and we really did have a great time together. He even put up with my breakdown when we didn't find a place on the first day. Perfect support system. Hmmmm yea he makes me happy :) Hopefully he comes back soon.

I drive home 2 hours by myself with the help of mom, dad, and gramma on the phone. That made it go by quick. I get into my place and it is really quiet. Kind of scary but just the fact that it was mine was way awesome! So I turned on some music, and jumped and danced around naked. Always makes me feel better haha.

The rest of the day I hung out, unpacked a little, watched CSI episodes, and talked to several people on the phone. I went to bed around 10:00 and slept pretty well actually. However, I need to put up my dream catcher just in case.

Monday was about the same way. Several trips to Wal*Mart and dollar stores. Who would have thought I needed so many things. I got a lamp and of course it doesn't come with a light bulb. I didn't realize that until it was dark and I wanted to see. I bought a broom and of course it did not come with a pan. Uh annoying. I also took a break during the day and walked to the beach.

And now to sum up with Today. Tuesday. I woke up early and went to the gym. I decided I need to get skinny to fit in with the rest of the Floridians. Since I do not have much money now I really only have Special K and milk so it is helping with the diet. I was supposed to meet Sheila to help her paint one of the houses she is about to rent out. I owe her a lot so this will help in paying her back! I get a call from her saying change of plans and we were just going to go shopping. So we did. Afterwards we hung out for awhile, had a few drinks, and told lots of stories. Definitely a great hang out session.

Oh and I am looking for an orange tree. I think that would make me official.

Tonight I got my kitchen taken care of. Everything is put away and it looks really nice with all of my appliances. Everything else: not so clean or organized yet! I have a lot of work to do!

Now I am angry that I am watching American Idol instead of Biggest Loser. But the Olympics are the only event that should be able to take over Biggest Loser.

Big news: MY BEST FRIEND IN THE ENTIRE WORLD is coming to visit me next week for Spring Break. My other bestest friend from college is too - Mr. Bob Houlihan! Nicole is bring her boyfriend as well so I will have a full house of guests next week. I can't wait. I can't believe my friends are coming to see me all ready like this. Sheila is determined to find me a cheap dining table set or Jaji says we will sit on pillows and eat on the floor like the Chinese.

Well I am not lonely yet. I feel very comfortable where I am at and I am counting down the days till I start at IMG Academies. We will see what happens!

Blogs to follow will not be this long! I will attempt to be better at posting.

Sweet dreams.

Finding Florida and Residence

*The Road Trip*

Driving time: Approx. 18 hours
Stephanie driving time: Approx. 2 hours
Kyle driving time: The rest
Fights: 1
Apologies go to: Betty - she was heavily weighed down and now has a dent in her roof

Everything was going great until Kyle made a wrong turn onto a HOV highway where there were no exits for about 10 miles- oh yes and we had little to no gas. Solution: going out of Virginia, back into D.C. and circling the pentagon to stop at a gas station that apparently was for military only. Result: Gas tank filled with no arrests.

Continuing our drive, we stopped in Myrtle Beach at South of the Border to meet Bushie and Jaji. They took us out to a nice lunch where we were the only customers, they did not accept credit cards, and the waitress was quite southern in her accent. Kyle and I loved it....however, I think Jaji expected more haha. After lunch we took advantage of all the statues of Mexicans, cows, and hippos by posing for pictures. As we were about to get into my car Bushie says she wanted to give us some candy and snacks for the trip but then says she just decided not to. Either way, I really enjoyed the stop and needed to see them before venturing off to Florida.

Thursday: We arrive at Florida and meet a stranger name Sheila recommended by Aunt Terri and Uncle Gene. We had a nice lunch at Red Lobster where she hugs me and says I am already family. Yes she is now Aunt Sheila. The waitress came to take our order and Sheila sent her away because "we did not know each other yet." I learned portions of her life story with occasionally dropping some information on myself. She talked a lot about directions while Kyle rolled his eyes at me because he knows how bad I am with directions :). I pretended like I knew everything though. Overall, it was the best time and nothing could have beaten this welcome into Florida.

After lunch, we started our first search for apartments. The worst time ever. I really thought it would have been much more fun. The first 4 I looked at could not get me in right away nor within the week. I was frustrated. So we stop at another location - seemed very nice, could get me in by Friday, big place, and descent rent. I put down a deposit of $150 and paid a $45.00 application fee. Then had to call IMG Academies to have them fax a paper. However, this had to be notarized and it was a BIG mess. Also, I would have to overall pay $1,500 up front. So Kyle helps in figuring out the situation and we go grab a hotel. During this time, I google the complex and see reviews stating: "I was robbed the first day," "Stay away," "Bugs and cockroaches everywhere," "Would never ever stay here, NOT SAFE." So of course I cry and decide that I will not find a place before Kyle leaves and blah blah blah boo hoo.

Result: Kyle marches in there Friday morning and says "There is no way my girlfriend is staying here. I do not approve nor would her mom. I want her money back." We walk out the door.

After this incident we start out fresh. We looked at 3 more apartments and I fell in love with the last one. I now reside at the Vista at Palma Sola. It s a gorgeous complex, newly renovated, pond filled with fish, pool, spa, hot tub, business center, fitness center, laundry facility and pretty much everything I would ever need. I am 2 minutes from the beach and 10 minutes from work.

I am on the third floor - because my mom and gramma says if a creeper were going to get me they would not climb to the top floor and would settle with someone on the first floor.

Address:
3900 75th Street W, Apt. 613
Bradenton, FL 34209

Best part: The staff (Chip) did not make me pay for an application fee, first month rent, or the administrative fee because I work for IMG. Woop woop!! I payed for the prorated month of February. That's it. I am such a bargain shopper.

Next post to follow will have fun stories.....

Taking off!

Hey everyone!

Today is the day. Off to Florida to grow up and face the next phase of my life. I'm predicting very good outcomes.

This morning started off with packing. End result: I have a lot of stuff that my mom and I have been through twice. (She is so tired that she ended the day with passing out....literally.) The packing took from 8:00am till 6:30pm with visitors throughout. I will post pictures soon to let you know how stuffed Betty (my little cavalier) is.

It is time to say farwell to Mom, Dusty, Dad, friends, other family, my itsy bisty room, twin bed, the dirt road, the skating rink, Elms, Freds, and every Tiogan.

I fill you in on what I am saying "Hi" to once I find it!

Kyle will be arriving shortly to sweep me away. For all of you wondering - he will be flying back on his own this coming Sunday and not returning to live with me for quite some time! :)

Thanks everyone for helping me get ready for the trip and all of the best wishes that I have recieved.

TIME TO GO!

Pre-destination Info

Hello Family and Friends!

The purpose of this blog is to fulfill the emptiness I have left my momma with by letting her in on my daily life :) Also, to indulge everyone that is important to me, if you so choose.

Background highlights:

• Unemployed for 2 months (Not so good.....)
• Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania Alumni
• United States Olympic Committe Intern (GO USA!)
• Traveler and explorer to Australia, New Zealand, and lots of states to Colorado
• Tioga, Pennsylvania resident for 15 years with a population of 500

Grown up life:

• Occupation - Athlete Residential Mentor for IMG Academies - starting March 1st that is.
• Packing.....everything.
• Traveling through lots of states to final destination of Bradenton, Florida (with Kyle!)
• Pit-stopping in Myrtle Beach to camp with Bushie and Jaji
• Oh and of course having nothing to fill an apartment that I do not yet have!

Kyle and I start the roadtrip on Tuesday, February 16th at approximatley 8:00pm to start my new life in Bradenton, Florida.

I want to invite all of you to read in on the story of......well me! Which, in turn, will keep me from not being lonely.

HERE I GO :) Wish me luck!