Grand Rapids, I Love You

Dear Grand Rapids,

You've been a really dear friend to me these past 17 months.  In fact you really made time fly since I didn't even realize that it had been 17 months in this relationship.  But the truth is that we've really grown apart and it might be time for us to say our goodbyes.

You gave me so many good memories and I've met some wonderful people through you.  I mean, come on, you gave me the Ritz Koney.  Not many cities could give me something so wonderful.

I'll miss late night walks down your streets with my friends.  And Thursday TV nights full of laughs.  Not to mention your delicious sushi on Monroe Center.  I'll always remember the ball drop on NYE downtown.  Thank you for our kitty.  She's really been a blessing.  Who else would get my boyfriend trashed on his 22nd birthday but you?  Oh, good times. Good times.

But let's face it.  You just don't have the job market to keep me here anymore.  And as much as it kills me to have to leave you, I have to do what's best for me.  It's not your fault that Chicago just has a job to give me and an apartment comparable in size to this one.  And I'll always appreciate you as my first real relationship with a city.  Thank you for everythings.

Love,

Amanda

PS - for those of you reading this who don't know already: I GOT THE JOB IN CHICAGO AND I'M MOVING TOMORROW!!!!

From one of my first walks inside you.

We Need More Boxes

Guess what I find super stressful. Moving.

I hate packing.  I hate organizing what should go in what boxes with what.  I hate not knowing what I might need in the next week and therefore should leave unboxed.

But I've found out something way worse than just your typical move.  And that is the Mystery Move.  That's right folks, I have NO IDEA where I'm moving at the end of this week.

Hopefully, I'll be getting this fantastic job that I have a final interview for on Wednesday.  It sounds like this company and I would get along and want to be faithful forever and ever.  And I felt really comfortable there.  I hope having a final interview and a job shadow is a good sign.

Good enough to make me feel okay about setting up apartment viewings in Chicago on Wednesday morning.  Did I mention this perfect job is in Chicago? Mannnn.  Talk about a dream situation.

But the most important point is this: OUR LEASE IS UP ON SUNDAY.

That's right. Sunday.  Just a mere four days after an interview that I'm planning on acing.

Oh, and Thursday is John's birthday.  Yeah.  So much to do.

So, cross your fingers and your toes and whatever else you can cross that I get this job.  Otherwise we're both moving back home to separate homes and sad times.  Womp womp.

Here's the plan.  Sell all furniture (pretty much done). Pack all shit into boxes.  Minimize crying.  Eat Ho-hos.  Drink all liquor in freezer.  No, seriously, don't cry.  Purge stuff that you no longer need.  Plan a good day for John.  Kick ass in final interview.  Get job.  Move to Chicago.  STOP CRYING.  Eat another Ho-ho.

Yep.

Life Update

What's happened since I last posted? Let's get straight to the facts.



Fact #1: New Year's Eve happened.  There was a party. And a broken table. And fun times.



Fact #2: I make delicious chocolate chip cookies.  No seriously.  The added deliciousness of the genuine Mexican vanilla gave them a special kick....in the pants.

Fact #3: Buffy the Vampire Slayer is an awesome show.  If Xander Harris were a Disney character, he'd be Prince Eric from The Little Mermaid.  Think about it looks wise. Yep.

Fact #4: I have 3 job interviews this week.  2 of which are in Chicago.  I want to move to Chicago something desperate.  I really want a job so keep those finger crossed, ya hear me?

Fact #5: I'm in a karaoke contest finale on Friday.  Though I'm not certain I deserve to be.  I'd love to have some support with me there.  Hint hint.  This is also the LAST chance any of you will get to visit Grand Rapids while I'm here.  More hints.  I have a good song picked out.

Fact #6: Johnpants and I are moving in less than 2 weeks.  Hopefully to Chicago.  More than likely back home for an undetermined amount of time.  I hate packing.  Like, I really hate it.  And saying goodbye? No way. I'm terrible at that too.  Darn.  Now I'm sad again.

I'm over giving you facts for today.  I need to get productive and print some stuff fr our drive to the Windy City tomorrow.  Man, that's still insane to me.