home?

Finally.

A chance to take some pictures (not the best quality but just quick shots of the new place) and make some cards. Yesterday I went to Michael's to look into getting my large drawing framed. Too much money. Even with the 40% off. The drawing is huge...I think 24x30. The frame option I loved was almost $300. The other option wasn't much cheaper. So for now it will remain in the cheap poster frame it is in. I did hang it in the hall so it's what you see (along with my plants) when you walk in.

I had fun at Pier 1 and found some great finds...

...these herb pots were on sale for $5. I bought parsley, chives and basil at the local nursery. I have always wanted an herb "garden" but didn't get much sun in my apartment at home.


I have them sitting along the little "pass through" between the eat-in kitchen and the living room. Above them I have hanging my shell windchime I bought in San Diego years ago.


I also bought this very cute little vase and candle holder I couldn't resist at Pier 1 for the bathroom...

I assembled to cubes from target for my scrap area. I have always wanted one where I can store my 12x12 paper vertically within easy reach. Up until now my paper has been stored in plastic envelopes in the closet. I would have to haul out each envelope everytime I wanted to scrap...so I'm very happy with these new cubes! The other cube is the one with 3 drawers. That one sucked to put together but is nice when it's done...

I actually used my "station" today and made some cards. I haven't scanned them yet but will post them as soon as I do. I wasn't completely thrilled with the results but it was really good to make some again. It's been weeks.

Here's my little "bluebird of happiness." It used to sit in my window but here we don't really have any window sills (in the one window and one sliding door we have)! I figure it will be a good reminder on my scrap desk.

And here is the living room...I have purposely only taken pictures of parts of the apartment that actually look somewhat put together. What you can't see is...

• the microwave on the floor of the kitchen because there isn't enough counter space.
• the pile of boxes stacked next to said microwave that are blocking the fridge.
• the pile of huge totes in the living room full of my books and pictures with no home.
• the boxes and piles of random papers of Cary's in the bedroom.
• the file cabinet he insists on using as the nightstand on his side of the bed.
• the slight, pathetic homesickness I feel despite the fact that my family home is 5 minutes away. I realize I'm 30 but I have had my own separate space in the apartment of my parents. I have lived in DC, Boston and was always homesick. I still am. It is strange going "home" to "visit."

Does that ever not feel wierd?

On the other hand...

• I am really excited about the pool (I haven't gone yet because the weather hasn't been too nice)
• I have a dishwasher. I have never had one! My mom is jealous...
• I have space...lots of space. We aren't crawling over each other.
• I have a real bed. Not a futon. Yeah! Now...if only I could shut off my Virgo mind and get a good night's sleep!
• We have a real kitchen and a table to eat dinner at...

So...I really am excited despite a little nostalgia and strange homesickness. I don't know what I would have done if I moved further away!