Getting Settled

Well...each day, I'm a little more settled in my new little place. I like it a lot and am enjoying "nesting" -- padding my home with comfort so I can settle in and incubate whatever's about to hatch in the next stage of my life. Every day, I feel a little more comfortable and relaxed. I've taken a couple of photos but will wait to take more until it looks less bare. My favorite part is that most of the big stuff is taken care of and now it's just the little touches left. I love to personalize the space and make it warm, welcoming and cozy. 

Strangely enough, as I was moving in, I saw a woman who works at the Counseling Center and who is now the President of the Champaign Psychologist group I was the President of last year! We've worked pretty closely together. She's literally my next door neighbor. I'm in 307 and she's in 306! It was nice to see a friendly face. I'm sort of wondering if anyone else actually lives in this complex. I see cars but I've only seen one other person going in or out of her apartment. Not that I'm complaining! Very quiet. 

 
The only pictures I've taken so far are of the bedroom. I love my new bedspread. It's fluffy and very pretty. Norma was nice enough to give me some sheets she'd never used -- much nicer than I'd ever buy for myself (400 count!). They're luxurious. I also got a candle that I light in the evenings to make the room smell wonderful. 

The walls are stark and white now but I'm planning on painting something to go at the head of the bed. I already have an idea of what I'd like to do. Hopefully, next weekend...I've moved my easel (which used to be Sarah's easel) so I can paint in my bedroom. If you have any ideas for inexpensive ways to bring art to the walls, please let me know!!  

 

I got a feather topper to make my mattress soft and cushy. What's funny is that even though I've only slept in the bed here a couple of times, the down on the side I've been sleeping on already has a dent in it. I guess I'll have to trade off the side I sleep on to keep it even.

I set up the chair in the corner as a place I can quietly sit, think, read, and relax. I can't wait for spring days when I can open the window. The view off of our patio (which I can access from the bedroom) is not ideal. Right next door is a vet clinic and - I didn't learn this until early the Sunday morning after the Saturday I moved in - it's also a kennel. That means the dogs bark in the morning for their food. I'm hoping I'll get used to it. Some of them are even funny. This morning, one of the dogs sort of did this little song -- ruf, ruf, ruf, ruf -- roo, roo, roo, roo -- with the last four notes being like he was going up the scale. Very funny (the first 50 times, anyway). On the other side of the clinic is a delicious Mexican Restaurant. I'm sure they'll become familiar with me. :-)

Back to work tomorrow. I'm looking forward to more nesting in the evening. Soon, I'll even be able to have people over for dinner and a fire (in the fireplace, not the kitchen). More pictures soon! Thanks to everyone who's been there to support me through this difficult time...I'm so appreciative of the support I've gotten from so many people.