Katy's Neverending Story

I know my last blog post came as a bit of a surprise- believe me, we're still reeling from our change of zip code.

We've been here ALMOST 2 full weeks now, and so far, Baltimore's been pretty great!

Here's a a recap on the past 2 weeks:

Monday, March 26- We packed all day, found street parking for the U-Haul, and movers (Rabbit Movers from Brooklyn- highly recommended should you ever need their services) showed up at about 5:00 to start the loading process.  I really thought this process would take a while, but these guys had it all down to a science!  They posted one man on our 4th floor, another on the 2nd, and one man by the truck... they just passed boxes down, and before we knew it, they had our entire apartment (save our air mattress for our last night) packed up!

We had our last meal at the Burger Club with some friends, and then our neighbor, Rebecca, who has been with us through thick and thin, stayed for a bit, sitting on the floor of our empty apartment with me trying not to get too emotional.  I think looking at the empty apartment finally hit me that we were on the verge of MAJOR changes!  After Rebecca left, Mr. A and I blew up the air mattress, and tried (unsuccessfully) to get some sleep.

Tuesday, March 27- We were up early and the final cleaning and packing up started.  We were HOPING to get out of the Apple by 9:30, and of course, that did not happen.  Still, we got in the truck at 9:30 and @ 10:30, and after an HOUR in NYC traffic, we were officially on the road.  Oh, and, to add to that stress, the UHaul got a parking ticket on our last night!!  WHAT?!?!  Thanks alot, NYC!

On the road, as each state (and toll) passed, the stress of packing and moving out became excitement for unpacking and moving in!  We stopped for lunch and gas, and as 3:00 rolled around, we entered Maryland.  We made a quick pit stop in Target for toilet paper, paper towels and some quick cleaning supplies, and got to our new apartment building right at 4:00.  Long day, but this is the exciting part!  Moving in, seeing where things will go in the new space, and starting a new adventure!

Wednesday, March 28- Unpacking.  Stop at Subway for lunch, more unpacking.  Venturing into a new neighborhood for dinner, sitting by the water and enjoying the crab dip!

Thursday, March 29-Saturday, March 31- WORK!  Work, so far has been a DREAM.  I'm loving it, and am so excited about everything.

Sunday, April 1-Tuesday, April 3- With 2 days off, I called my mother, and she and her friend Debra got in the car and road-tripped up to MD, complete with their tool kits and sense of style!  With us having no car yet, they took us to every Marshalls, HomeGoods and TJ Maxx in the area.  A trip to IKEA topped the visit, and we spent 2 days whipping this apartment in shape!  We are picking up our brand new couch this week, so once that is in place, I will shoot some pictures.  This has helped more than anything!  Knowing that we can relax at home without worrying about unpacking is wonderful- and knowing my mom had a hand in making this new house a home has been so comforting!  THANKS MOM for all your help!

Wednesday, April 4-Saturday, April 7- More Work!  Getting into the swing of things, with a work week capped by an Orioles game last night!  I'm loving my coworkers, and having these get togethers with their spouses have already cemented a little friendship group here.

So now, we're at Easter Sunday, April 8.  We're playing hooky from church one more week, and having our own little private Easter celebration.  He is Risen, and it's a New Beginning for this family.  And we couldn't be happier.

Labels: Baltimore

Remember this?  I do as well.  It really doesn't seem like that long ago when I arrived in a new city with a new husband and got to work on my new apartment.  We thought we would be in New York for years.

Funny how things work out sometimes.

About 2 weeks ago, I was approached with an offer of a promotion for my job.  Initially thrilled, I also discovered that this promotion would mean moving to Baltimore.  In 2 weeks.  To start by April 2.

Now let me tell you what I know about Baltimore...

um...


This is the only thing that comes to mind...

Seriously.  That's all I know.  I have a happy relationship to Hairspray, so I wasn't turned off right away, but my mind started spinning with the following thoughts:

1.  Wow!  A new opportunity!  A step up in the company!
2.  Um, leave NYC?  Am I done with NYC?  I feel like I just got here!
3.  Would I be able to move somewhere with an elevator?
4.  Baltimore?  Has that city EVER been on my list of places to live?

The thought that kept blasting in my head, though, was, "WHAT IS MR. A GOING TO SAY?!?!?!"

Mr. A was in Atlantic City at a conference, so the first he heard of this was by text-- by the way, should you ever have a life changing question, it's best NOT to use text to talk about it.

Arriving home 3 stressful days later, we sat down to talk about this crazy opportunity.

It's an interesting position to be in as the wife with a career opportunity.  I don't know if it's a southern thing, or a guy thing, but as excited and flattered as I was with this offer, I couldn't help but be worried that Mr. A might not like the idea of moving to a strange city with no people we know for the wife's job.

After some quick research, some prayer, and some counsel, we looked at each other and made a decision.

It's Baltimore!  Not only is this an amazing opportunity for me, but as a family, we really feel that this might be a better place to be able to save some money, start a family, and enjoy a good mix of city and smaller community.

So, with the decision made, we had just about a week to get everything set up.  My first day off, we took the train down to Baltimore, and did some apartment hunting.  Praise the Lord, we were able to sign a lease on a GREAT space that really deserves it's own blog post.  I will say, it does have an elevator, and that's not even the best feature!!!  We booked the moving truck and mover helpers (because you KNOW we cannot manage furniture and 4 flights all by ourselves!!) and got boxes.  Our house looks like a war zone right now.

While in our future residence, we went down to the Inner Harbor where I will be working and met my new boss.  While eating on the Harbor, Mr. A and I looked at each other and grinned.  What a new adventure for us!  Who knows where this might lead!  And the best thing is that we're in it together.

Later that afternoon, we walked to Camden Yard (which is within walking distance to my amazing new apartment, which has central heat and air by the way) and spent some time thinking about our last 2 (or in Mr A's case 4) years in NYC.  I don't think that I've said goodbye to NYC by any means- it's a short train ride away, and we've met friends that we will always keep close.  I'm just so grateful for this next step on our path- who knows what is in store for us at the next turn.

So, wish us luck!  We start moving things on Monday and will drive down Tuesday- approximately 2 weeks after the initial offer... crazy days!!!!!

Labels: Apartment Living, Moving, NYC

I must hop on this train, as so many of my favorite bloggers are also sharing their love stories.... so... here's mine!!!
(PS, if you want to participate, just click on the image below for instructions)

So, in honor of Valentine's Day, here's our story...

Labels: Marriage, Newlyweds, Valentines Day

I was waiting for a friend at the train stop last week, and this older man, who I think either owns or works at our local deli comes straight up to me and starts talking.  Here is the account of the strangest conversation I've ever had with a stranger- actually the strangest conversation I've ever had with anybody:

Man:  You riding the train today?

Me (slightly nervous as no stranger has EVER come up to me to start talking unless they are asking directions):  Yes, I'm waiting for my friend.

Man:  Ah. (short pause).  You married?

Me (even more nervous- am I about to be kidnapped and sold into slavery and wondering how I can casually grab my phone to call 911):  Yes, I'm married.

Man:  Ah. (longer pause).  You have children?

Me (now seriously concerned about the direction this conversation is going with this stranger):  No, not yet.

Man:  Ah.  (long pause).  You not want children?

Me (what?!?!):  Well, I've only been married a year and a half.  I have plenty of time.

Man:  Ah.  (short pause).  Your husband not like kids?

Me (where in the world is my friend!??!!):  No, he likes kids- we're just enjoying marriage right now.

Man:  Ah.  (frowns, and pats me on the shoulder).  Well, do not be so sad about it.  It will come.

Me (speechless):  Um...

Man:  Ah. (short pause, then he walks away).

True story.  Gotta love NYC.

Labels: neighbors, NYC, strangers on a train

I'm a sucker for those "As Seen on TV" infomercials, one-step wonders, and anything that turns a hassle into some type of one-minute-miracle.  In the past, I've owned a pair of Pajama Jeans, bought my husband an As Seen on TV Meat Thawer, and even contemplated buying those crazy pills that claim you will lose a million pounds in one week.

So, when scrolling along in the blogesphere, when I saw a video for easy, no-heat hair curling, I was intrigued.

My hair is straight with hints of frizz.  There is no curl, no wave, nothing other than thick and straight.I remember when I was in 1st and 2nd grade, my mom would roll my hair in sponge rollers on Saturday nights for Sunday mornings.  The curl would usually last through Sunday School.  In the 4th grade, I was convinced that perming was for me.  Sadly (or maybe thankfully depending on who you talk to), the perms would only last a few weeks before the frizz came out and the wave went away.  When I use rollers or a curling iron, it lasts maybe an hour, so unless I've got mega hairspray, product and a no humidity day to ruin it, I don't even bother.

Anyway, I saw this video online, I was all about trying it.  I'm intrigued by the easy process, no hassle and have visions of waking up with hair like this:

or this


I woke up excited to take out the hairband and look at my lovely wavy locks.

Instead, I woke up to this:

Super Short, Finger in a Socket, Curly Hair.  And unlike Shirley Temple, the frizz was still there, so the texture reminded me of this:

Thank goodness I had time to shower again before work.

Labels: Hair, Home

Ahhh.  The tourists are gone and the city is quiet.  Strangely we've had no snow, and the weather can't decide if it wants to be in the 30's or the 50's.  I can actually see the sidewalk in front of me when I walk, and there's no longer a sardine can feeling when I'm on the subway.

Welcome to January 2012.

Last January, it was a minefield of snowdrifts and frozen urban tundra.  This January it's sunny skies and I've only worn my poofy coat a few times.


Last January, I lived in my snow boots.  This January, they haven't come out of my closet once.

Last January, people complained about the snow and the city's response to it.  This January, people complain about global warning and our lack of a "true winter."

Supposedly we've got 3-5 inches of snow on the way tonight, so this all might change, but for the first half of the month, I personally am happy that we've had a bit of a reprieve from the harsh winter conditions.

Labels: NYC, Snow

Work kept me crazy, so I did not get out the holiday card that I planned to do.  Instead, we settled on a Countdown to 2012...

So, without further adieu...

Labels: New Year, NYC