T Minus 8 Days...

For those of you who haven't heard yet, in 8 days Laura is coming to visit. And yes, as has been the case many times before, she has perfect timing.

I've been in Milwaukee for almost three weeks now. Time is going so fast! I feel like I just got here. For those I haven't talked to much, I'm really sorry. The quick & dirty version: I'm making friends, which is great; I love my work; my boss is pretty cool; and yes, they all agree--it snows a lot in Milwaukee.

I've gotten my first taste of Milwaukee weather this week. To be honest, it's very similar to Michigan weather. Today, I swear to God, I looked out the window and there was a beautiful blue sky, and then I blinked and it was a monsoon.

Most importantly, this is my first week since I've been gone that I've missed some pretty big events:

1. Happy birthday Boozer! I am really sad that I missed #22, but I can't wait to see you in Chicago very very soon.
2. Mo I'm sorry I missed your birthday too. But I'm glad we finally talked.
3. Melody & Melissa I will be thinking about you all weekend! Especially on Saturday Mel--Sorry I'm missing it!

Tomorrow is my first Friday night out. We're going to local Mexican where I am going to eat like a queen and drink some yummy margaritas! Most likely I will call at least one of you!

My Big Weekend Out

Well, for the first time since coming to Milwaukee, this weekend I ventured outside the city limits. It was seriously like taking my first deep breath since Michigan!

On Saturday AnnMarie took me to the Mall just outside the city. It's called Bayshore Towne Center, and my Lansing family & friends probably recognize the name. It's exactly like the East Towne Center. Even similar restaurants. Sights from home included a Bravo & a Barnes and Noble (downtown Milwaukee offers Borders). To say the least, I made up for lost time shopping. I bought two new button up shirts, two new sweaters, and two pair of pants. Oh, and new face wash....I'm a sucker for body products! Overall, it was wonderful to be out of 2040 and feel like I was spending time with a girlfriend (although nothing like my friends at home...).

Sunday was a day of adventure. It was lovely here in Milwaukee, and the locals seem thrilled with that. In keeping with the local spirit, I decided to venture outside and see what I could find. I ended up on a boat tour of the city. For all my romantic comedy friends, yes-I was thinking the whole time of Vince Vaughn in The Breakup. It was nothing like that. The driver of the boat was...the driver. Honestly, he didn't seem all that interested in filling us in the sights. However, it was two glorious hours on a boat, on the brink of Lake Michigan. The first picture is a snap shot of downtown from the water. It really was very pretty. The 2nd is the "Real Light House" that was used to guide boats into the Harbor. There's a different light house, named the Red Light House, that was used to guide boats into the Outer Harbor. (Don't worry mom, I have pics of that one too! :) )

After my boat tour, I had a burger & beer at a local pub. The beer was a local (no, not Miller Light-although it remains my favorite-Sorry Dad!), and it was delish! I made one quick stop at Old Navy (maroon jumper and black yoga pants) and Boarders (a new Marrian Keyes book) and then home. I'm exhausted from my travels, so I'm going to put on my new yoga pants and curl up with whatever football game is on, my new book, and wait for my dad to call!

Hugs & Misses to you all...

Week One, Done.

It's the end of my first week here in Milwaukee and at 2040 Lofts (that's what my building is called), and so far, pretty good. My big plans for my first weekend all by myself are growing...Which is to say they don't include watching Grey's on DVD for the next 48 hours. (Yes, I did run out and buy it on the day it came out. I am only through the 3rd DVD.)

This morning I am going to find the new grocery store. It's funny to listen to the people here talk about it. They all preface it with, "It's the really fancy store, but still...Do you like organic food?" Honestly, that's what they say. The good news is, I only have to go East to get to it! I also might try to find the city market because with that I hear is a bunch of really cute shops, etc.

I'm in pretty desperate need of a mall as well. People who live in the city dress really trendy. Not like, East Lansing trendy either. I need more clothes. Bad. So I might do that this weekend as well. The nearest mall is about 10 miles from here.

Tonight I'm having dinner with Sarah and her roommate and Judy, so I'm excited about that. Judy's other son is coming to visit (I think next week) and I think she is thinking we might be able to "meet". Which is cute, and totally Judy.

Big lessons from this week:
1. I'm glad my roommates and I always got along.
2. By the time you live off campus, people should not have to take care of your roommate problems for you.
3. I might be a professional nanny for my boss with ADD. And that's ok.

My Second First Day

Alright...Today was day number one number two. Yesterday there was nothing to do, today I got into the swing of things. Here's the run-down:

1. My boss' name is John. He's nice. Sunday he competed in an Iron Man in Madison, and he finished. Today he can't walk. Wow.
2. The staff is great, and they've made me feel very welcome.
3. As long as I stay "east" and don't go "west" I'm going to be fine. In fact, the new plan is (and yes-I quote), "Walk out the front door and turn left. That's it. Don't stray from the plan." So...Don't be afraid to visit. I promise to only take you left.

I met our building engineer, who has promised to help me fix whatever may need fixing, so that's a step in the right direction. Laura is going to be my first visitor, and I am super looking forward to that.

After work I ventured out by myself, on a trip to Target to buy Grey's Season Three. Yes, target is right not left, but I was only gone during day light. My plan for the night is to watch my new DVDs and go to sleep early so I can get ready for day number two...or is it number three?

Rain Rain Go Away...

It has been a gloomy gloomy day in Milwaukee. It's been raining pretty much since I woke up. In fact, as I type this I think it might even be snowing. I am not sure.

Today was my first day "working" and so far--so good. I work with a super nice lady named Judy. She is in charge of all of our accounting. She was a wealth of information about the city. Some of her insights included avoiding manicures at the salon next to Target and walking East but driving when I go West.

John, my new boss, just finished the Iron Man yesterday in Madison. I met him briefly today. He stopped in to say he was very tired, and we could work tomorrow. Ok...So. That left me another day to explore the city.

I wandered downtown (which is about 15-20 blocks from my apt.) and found a little mall. It's not spectacular, but it has a TJMaxx, Linens & Things, and a store very similar to Younkers. I picked up a few things for my house, then came home. Outside is no place to be in this rain!

I've taken pictures of my house and posted them on Picasa, but I'm going to put them here too. The first is my kitchen. There's more cupboard space than I can ever use. My living room is Brown & Pink and in pretty desperate need of stuff on the walls. I'm waiting for my new t.v. to come, and hopefully to get a painted wall!

My plan for the rest of the day is a work out in the gym here in the building, cook dinner, read, and get ready for my second first day of work.

So far I'm not super lonely, although there are times. My phone number hasn't changed, so you can call me whenever!