A Classic - March 21, 2007

Seriously.

People kept telling me that as soon as I made plans to leave, I would meet some guy. I would laugh and say "ha...thats not likely!"...etc...etc...

Yes well, like a cliche in bloom, the very thing has happened. I met a guy. I more than met him actually....in fact I have become quite enamoured in a way that hasn't happened in a long long time. And I am still leaving. And he is staying here. And it sucks cause I miss him already.

Banner prep week! - March 15, 2007

So many things happened all in one day. I talked to a gal in London who agreed to be my first flatmate. She has a great place in Camden town, right over the canal, and I am going to live there for my first 1.5 months in London. I am pretty excited about being in such a happening area for my first foray. Also excited by the idea of having some cool people to meet right off the bat. 'R' and the other guy flatmate,'A', sound like my kind of peeps. One of her questions for me was "what is your favorite drink?"....um yeah....and we established that sharing red wine with housemates is a favorite pastime. That and the high speed wireless net sold me. Oh and the fact that its across the street from the "goth" pub in Camden. I better pack the black clothes.

So...got the flat...check.

Next step...buy a plane ticket...check. One way on Virgin Atlantic from LAX to LHR on April 17th. Non-refundable. (Thanks for the ride, Adam)

Next step...give official notice on current apt....check. It's done. I am having a garage sale on March 25th, and I will be out of my apartment on April 15th. Wow.

So yeah....this has been a week of action. It does feel good. I feel I am heading into a situation that will offer excitement and adventure. I don't plan on working when I first arrive either, so I will have time to explore London from the Camden home base, and just to settle in.

My checklist for arrival:
* connect with wireless internet
* buy sheets and towels
* buy transport monthly pass (zone 1-3)
* mobile phone service
* buy phone card for cheap to US calls
* buy hairdryer (although R kindly offered to let me borrow hers off the bat)
* buy red wine
* find a gym
* pretend to start looking for a job
* go to London Rollergirls practice
* spend prodigious amounts of time in pubs/tea shops/British Museum
* freeze to death and pray for sun

You Learn - March 1, 2007

So this morning I spoke to my landlord and got the official word that I cannot sublet my apt. That's it. The place I have lived for over 6 years, with my ex for almost 5, is gonna be out of my life in one month. It's pretty hard to let go of that place, but at the same time, maybe it for the best. Things and places can carry energy and baggage, and it can be healthy to let that out.

But damn....I am letting go of a 2bed/2bath rent controlled apartment in Santa Monica 5 blocks from the beach and smack dab in my favorite neighborhood. That kind of bites. They are probably going to jack the rent up by $500 a month when I move out. I'll basically never be able to live there again for anywhere near the same price.

Into the fire....gotta let it go.

And no, I am not a big Alanis fan....but these lyrics sure are speaking to me right now.

"I recommend biting off more than you can chew to anyone...."