Friday, June 20, 2008

Illinois

You know, five years ago, if somebody had asked me where I'd be, I doubt I ever would have said Champaign, Illinois to get a master's degree. But here I am. I got here Monday. I've been making a list of the things I need to finish: unpacking, getting new car registration and drivers license, etc. It's a huge list. I hate moving. I've already met a couple of my neighbors and they seem ok. I haven't been introduced, but I was able to witness some people in one of the other buildings as they apparently sat at the pool ALL DAY. I got there at like 4 or 4:30 and they were there, in the pool, as were a couple of teenage boys...so I decided to wait and work on my tan a bit and read, thinking, they've all been here longer than me and I'll wait to swim laps when they leave. They DIDN'T LEAVE! Well, actually, the teenage boys left, but the other girl (who is way too interested in strangers knowing about her romantic entanglements) just stayed there. Had a cooler and everything. I was wondering why 1) they didn't like their apartment and 2) is she wearing a bikini? She really should NOT have been wearing a bikini. I sometimes think I shouldn't wear a bikini, so this woman SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN WEARING A BIKINI!
I did go for a run on the running path around the apartment complex. It's not nearly as cool as my old one, but it's there. Unfortunately, it's much shorter, so to get the same workout I have to run it back and forth about 7 times. But for a quick run it's ok. I'll probably try a different way tomorrow, get out on the sidewalks and streets of the neighborhood and head toward one of the parks.
It's sort of lonely here too, cause I haven't started work or school yet and I don't really know anyone. I'm pretty much ok at being by myself in most circumstances; I like to read and stuff alone. And I'm not into partying. But it'd still be nice to know someone to go see a movie with or go try out a restaurant. Not things I CAN'T do alone; just things that are more fun with a friend. Nick won't be visiting for two weeks; so that sucks. But I am sure I could get my sister to visit and have my niece Alyssa stay a few days (hint hint!) since I rarely get to see her.
I am very excited for school. Financial aid is taken care of - I haven't heard about assistantships yet, but I hope to. And if not, well, I'll just work like others do. It'll totally suck and be much harder, but I'll manage. Anyway, I'm settling in slowly but surely. I miss my friends and they seem much farther away; but I'm sure eventually it'll feel more like home. And I'm only a two hour train ride to Chicago, so I'll be able to visit there, once I get my courage up.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

moving really is a giant pain, but I'm sure you'll settle in eventually. Is your school starting soon or not until August? When you get lonely, give one of us a call. I'm always sitting around alone in my apartment so I always like to get phone calls (hint hint:) Kay

Kathleen said...

Thanks for the hint. I'm trying to get into major shape - we have a pool so yesterday and today I've swum laps (not many though) and gone for a run. Plus, I added this yoga butt/thigh firming video today. But I keep thinking in a few weeks I'll look like I'm sixteen again for the family reunion. At least, bodily. School doesn't start until August. And I haven't found an assistantship, but am hoping on finding a different job with better hours; flexible but like daytime or something. And don't you have to work! How can you be sitting around in your apartment naked and alone? Ok, so I added the naked.

Anonymous said...

Ummm, I believe I offered the girl children to you for this weekend....didn't I? I am sure they would keep you REALLY busy....exploring and shopping, and eating. Don't forget the eating!
Alyssa and Kaylin would love to come stay, I'm sure. We have company coming in this weekend, or I'd come along too. lol

Kathleen said...

Well, if you can get them here then I'm all for it. I have to work next week so it's the last week before SD and stuff. And I could use some opinions cause i need a couple pairs of shorts and I tried like, six pairs on at Target and I either looked stupid in them, or fat, or they just didn't fit. Of course, I'm fairly poor right now, with the move and all, so you'd have to give me money to feed your poor, starving children who can eat so much!!! :-)