a neat little life: Moving Day

When my family moved to Countryside in De Pere my cat, Mo, was disturbed. The first time he ventured out of his corner in the bathroom, we watched as he crept carefully down the stairs, made a circle around - kitchen and living room - and went back up. Tonight, after my parents left me here in my new apartment in Chicago, I snuck out my front door, took a walk to Clark Street (or what I think might be Clark) and crept right back into my apartment. I wasn't afraid, but it felt like enough for my first night.

Before leaving De Pere I spent some time saying goodbye to friends. The night of my birthday, I went to Pat's place, and one of the first pictures I took with my digital camera was of his dog. Oliver sat opposite the bonfire as Pat and I shared a few beers. Pat's decided he might move to Chicago in a few months, which would be great. I learned quickly in Madison that he's a fun coffee/lunch/going out partner, and also a very loyal and genuine friend.

On Friday night, Krystal and I celebrated our midsummer birthdays with a little bash that began at my house and moved to Mojo's in De Pere.

Here I am with Pat and Krystal. We look pretty amazing -- of course this is pre-first drink of the night! Throughout the evening I took lots of other pictures, but this one is my favorite, because they're two of my very best friends.

I felt less than spectactular the next day, but I had my friend Erin's wedding coming up soon, which I prepared for by listening to Allison Krauss's "When You Say Nothing At All" 25 times and practicing in the kitchen, where the acoustics sound most like a church. Erin looked gorgeous, and I've never seen anyone look as happy as she did.

Playing music was a family affair that night. My dad was the DJ for the reception. He kept everyone on the floor and having fun all night, as I'm sure he always does. This was last night, so despite the fact that my parents and I were unable to prepare much for today's move, everything went well.

I was thrilled to see my new apartment come together with the help of my dad's handywork and my mom's interior design sense. Here are a few pics of the new place. The couch is coming on Wednesday, so I've got a very hippie-style living room for now.