Saturday, August 31, 2013

CALIFORNIA!

Yes, faithful readers....it's me. On this last day of August, 2013...with no furniture delivered as yet, my head spinning from the enormity of what I've managed to accomplish over the last month and my fingers poised over my old, slow, yet amazingly faithful 2006 laptop (Connor (16) has commandeered my beloved MAC, sighting mental anguish as his computer is stuck on the moving truck), I shout these words to anyone who's still listening:

I'VE MOVED TO CALIFORNIA!
Anyone who knows me well knows I've got a bit of a thing for anything tropical.



The above three photos were taken from the hotel we stayed at in Long Beach, while I pounded the pavement looking for a rental I could imagine calling home. Seriously. From my perspective, what's not to like? 

I hadn't settled on a home by the time I returned to New York but that didn't stop me. I booked the movers anyway and figured, "What the hell. It'll all come together. Right?" Two days before the movers arrived, I locked in the rental. 

From that point, everything went into warp speed. Connor (16) and I arrived with whatever we could fit into a suitcase (or four) and thanks to Ikea, Target and CVS, we've managed a semblance of normalcy. 

Between working remotely, registering Connor for school and remembering all the people who still don't know I've left the east coast, I know I have a lot of work yet to do.

For those who prefer a visual, here's what a 1-week-old living room looks like:
Homey, right? That black monstrosity will be Connor's new computer station...built by yours truly (with absolutely no help from said Connor...just saying) but we don't want to finish assembling it in his room till the big furniture arrives, to make it easier on the movers. The brightly-colored lawn chairs served as desk chairs for about a week, until I thought I'd lose my mind (and my back...and damage my tushie). I broke down and bought 2 folding chairs....aaaahhhh...much better. And that red cooler? That was our fridge for 5 days. Evidently, Californians are very attached to their refrigerators....who knew? 

Anyway. Here we are. This place is bright, clean and already feels like home. I haven't felt truly happy in my surroundings in New York for many years now and I'm hoping this will be the beginning of a whole new chapter in Kathrynville. 

I'm sorry I couldn't clue you guys in sooner to my dreams of moving out here but there are some who visit here for reasons other than to be kind and say hello and I didn't feel comfortable announcing before I was ready. As with many things in life, it's.....complicated.

With new beginnings come new opportunities....and I'm planning to rejoin my beloved friends in Bogville as part of my new, improved life. I'll leave you with my very first purchase to signify the beginning of my now (tropical life):
Yes, people....it's a dwarf orange tree! Something I have always wanted. 

So, enjoy the holiday weekend, dudes and dude-ettes.....wishing you sunshine, balmy breezes and the heavenly smell of barbecues!

xoxo

kathryn said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
kathryn said...

Kathryn here. This is try #2 at adding inline comments. 2nd time's the charm? Let's see.

kathryn said...

One. More. Time. If this works, drinks are on me. (Disclaimer: I only have water, seltzer and strawberry banana smoothies in my fridge. Just saying...)

Gigi said...

It works!

So...when can I come for a visit?

kathryn said...

Gigi: Whee! Well, how do you feel about lawn chairs and half-assembled desks to sleep on? Yeah, that's what I thought. Furniture arrives on Tuesday (United, you'd better not be lying to me. Grrrr.)...after that, you've got an IN, baby!

Lauren said...

Hey! Congrats on the move! I wish you only good things!

I'm also moving! Last I was there, my roommate had only moved in a Legolas action figure... I wouldn't recommend sitting on him. The action figure. I'm going to stop now.

ToBlog today said...

This move I can tell will fill you with much peace, happiness, and LOVE. Remember if you get second thoughts, take a deep breath and slowly exhale. You're doing the Right thing. Hugs.

sage said...

How about waving at Mary (the Queen) for me... I hope it turns out to be an incredible move and you enjoy some great music, but not the kind of Rock and Roll that the ground out there sometimes provides!

kathryn said...

Lauren: Well, congrats are in order right back at'cha! I would concur that sitting on the Legolas action figure would not be wise (winces). I wish you only the very best as well...and I hope your move goes positively swimmingly!
Angelina: Aw. What a lovely sentiment you've shared! I'll remember your kind words when I'm knee -deep in moving boxes and the sweat is stinging my eyes. But I can't believe I live in Southern California....so happy!!
sage: Heyyyyyy! Yes, I shall take my chances with the shifting of the earth...hopefully the chances of it happening are much less than the chance of snow/sleet and ice in New York! :-)

Alicia said...

I just don't understand why dwarfs can't eat regular oranges? Only in California right? Welcome to Cali (that's how we Californians say it) :)

Yay! You are here finally. I'm sorry I wasn't able to call you and I know you haven't had time to read my blog but grateful you emailed me so I could explain to you about the loss of my dad. Still trying to deal with it, day by day...baby steps. But so happy you are hear and within visiting distance. I sense a road trip in my future!

carissajade said...

Oh wow! Big things are happenin over. Congrats on the move! Can't wait to hear more!

wendy said...

Congratulations!! Hope it's everything you ever imagined and hoped for.

Unknown said...

Congratulations on the move & welcome to Sunny SoCal!! Let me know if you need me to deliver some wine ;-)

kathryn said...

Alicia: Maybe the little people want trees of their own that aren't too tall. That's my best guess. :-) Works for me, 'cause I can keep it in a big pot and I can't wait to pick a juicy ripe orange! Road trip? Absolutely. And yes, I'm way behind on everyone else's life but am looking forward to catching up. Beginning....now!xo
carissajade: Yes...big changes. Scary changes....MIND-BLOWING changes. And yes, there are some interesting stories to tell, that's a given. I mean it's me, right?
Wendy: Thank you (and everyone here) for the hearty congrats. It's still sinking in that I'm really here. I think it'll really feel like home when the furniture arrives. Can't wait!
Amber Gabrenas: Hey babe!!! Um, that would be a YES on the wine! Thanks for the welcome. I can already tell that SoCal (or Cali...I'll toggle between using both)is going to be perfect for me.How could I not love a state that devotes two full aisles in the local CVS to wine?? So what if it takes me a bit longer to find the dental floss...it's fun! xo

Kelly@MentalGarbage said...

Welcome to California!! Just in time for summer to really show up :-)

kathryn said...

Kelly@MentalGarbage: Thank you! And...you're not kidding! It was freakin' HOT for a while there....but now it's simply divine! I'm loving it! Thanks for commenting...

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