Settled in

Well, we're here - and little left to do but wait until work rolls around.

Our apartment is a lot nicer than one would think a high-rise would be. Growing up in suburbia, and spending summers in dorms and worse, I wasn't expecting much of our 800 square feet. But we're far enough out from the city that we have some room to stretch and are liking this little cozy corner of Virginia. Mostly, I've completely underrated wall-unit A/Cs - I thought that I'd be missing the cold air from a central unit, but I have to say, it's done its job very well. I just hope it handles the winters as well as it is the summer.

We've not spent much time going into the city. Short trips around Alexandria to get our lay of the land and find out how to get around without the Garmin, if need be. We've unpacked most everything, though a few things are still looking for the right places - pictures moving around, books moving shelves, and not to mention the week-long marathon of looking for a new couch that A) is comfortable, B) will fit into our apartment, C) looks nice, and D) is affordable. Bedroom still needs work, but the living area is really turning out beautiful.

Michelle and I have kept busy playing host to our friends these past few weeks - we've got such an amazing support network out here and absolutely love being with them all. Many of them live really close (David just a few floors below us), and are some of the best friends I've had from the Bush School and beyond.

I start work next week at Women's Voices (The day after my birthday, actualy, so all celebrations will probably take place earlier than the actual day!). I feel like it's the end of summer vacation (the last one I'm ever going to have). I'm excited to get to work and meet new people and really start my career - even though I still feel like I finished high school. One of my favorite webcomics (click here until I figure out how to keep it from cutting off: xkcd.com) pretty much sums up this whole "growing up" thing.

Pictures of the apartment will be up soon - I know we've been promising them to everyone, but we're finally getting the last pieces of drapery this afternoon. Much love, and we'll be in touch!

Daniel