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.....