"I'm sorry, I've never done this before," I said to the AT&T girl while I was trying to set up my internet.
"That's okay, honey, we've all been there," she consoled.
I've lived on my own before, but never really on my own. College was four hours away from my parents, but I lived one semester at a time. Things like water bills and internet fees were included in the housing costs and everything was gravy. After graduation, I moved back home to save money for my mission. And as a missionary, I relied wholly on the goodness of the people in my area. Senior mission couples made sure that we were completely taken care of and we were often fed by the members. I mean, there was a lady in one area that would do our laundry every single Monday because she felt like that's how she could help us in our work. I was so richly blessed. While I had plenty of worries while I was on my mission, temporal concerns were never among those.
Friday the 14th was the first time I'd ever been to Austin, my new home. I am no stranger to moving, having lived in a total of fifteen different places as far back as my memory extends. The longest has been five years, the shortest was only three months. I crave the change, but I hate the adjustment period. That's really the best way I can define how I feel right now. Adjusting.
Mom and Dad stayed here the first few days. We went grocery shopping a week ago and I stood in the bread aisle, feeling utterly overwhelmed. (That's really saying something. Usually the smell of the bread aisle calms me right down.) The last time I truly grocery shopped was back in college... and I graduated two-and-a-half years ago. I bought ground beef and promptly forgot about it, only to pull it out a few days ago to find the edges graying, which I'm pretty sure isn't supposed to happen.
I'll get the hang of it soon enough--I always do. I know how to find Target and the library, which are my two rules for survival. Everyone I've met has been extremely nice, which has made the transition infinitely easier. I was delighted to discover that Texans really do say "y'all" all the time. (A discovery akin to when I arrived in Canada and heard an authentic "eh!" I'll never forget that feeling.) In the meantime, I'm going to work on carving out a routine for myself, find a job, and focus on the things that I KNOW I know how to do--starting with chocolate chip cookies.
Monday, January 24, 2011
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14 comments:
I too hate the adjustment period. For anything. It's never a fun time. I hope for your sake everything finds a rhythm soon. Best of luck in Austin!
Once you get over the adjustment period you're going to have SO MUCH FUN. Being independent of your parents is such a good feeling.
You'll get the hang of it, lady! You're off to a good start with the Target, library, and cookies, I'd say.
I'm looking to the future and I just realized that this would happen to me, too. Terrifying.
As for the gray meat: Ground beef will oxidize in the fridge some, so I don't think it's all that suspicious.
Double check me on this, but these are the rules I'd use:
-Don't leave meat (cooked or uncooked) in the fridge for more than a week.
-Lunch meat will keep somewhat longer, though it will still tell you to use it within a week.
-If you're at all worried about not using it fast enough, FREEZE IT. Frozen meat will keep for a lot longer.
-Once you freeze it and thaw it, don't freeze it again unless you cook it first.
P.S. And they're more like guidelines than actual rules, you know.
Take luck! :)
xox
Howdy howdy howdy, y'all!
I know the feeling, it took some time to get used to, but I like the place. Target and the library are two of my favorite places. Glad you're here!
Chocolate chip cookies are the best place to start! Yum! Yum!
Congrats on your move and this new exciting adventure! We're wishing you all the best as adjust to your new home and get settled in! You are amazing and Texas is lucky to have you!!
Yes. That overwhelmed feeling. I remember it well. But it sounds like you're already doing GREAT. Best wishes as you continue to set up and explore your new home!
(Man, I love Austin.)
I was going to leave a cogent comment, but then I got distracted by the Yakov Smirnoff reference. Did you know he turned 60 yesterday? CRAZY TALK!
I hope you go from being over/underwhelmed to being just whelmed very soon. XOXO
now find a baskin robins or a yogurtland and you're set! I'll even mail ya a see's care package if you email me your addy. :)
I went from parents house to living on my own. So no middle-ground dorm room in there. Luckily, I had a husband, who helped with some of the details.
And Logan doesn't have a Target, which is the lamest thing ever. My closest Target is an hour away. Ugh.
"I crave the change, but I hate the adjustment period." AMEN to that.
The first year I moved to Salt Lake City I got lost every sing time I tried going to Costco. EVERY TIME! The said thing is, I have been here over 2 years and still get worried I will get lost on my way there.... haha
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