(no subject)
I'm at my parents' house in Palm Beach Gardens. I'm actually updating from my computer because I got an iBook for Miami Ad last week (and a free iPod for Jess because I bought it that week!) and I'm giving them my old one. The past days have been wonderful and busy. Here goes:
Last Thursday I went over to Robbie and Josh's. We were supposed to go to the Cummer for "Cafe Nights", but it was crowded when we got there and the buffet was picked over so we skipped it. But we did see Catherine Schnauss and her fiance Cameron. We went to Robbie's mom's house, had some wine with Mildred, and Father Conrad came over, then we went for dinner at Crush. It was great, and we drank lots of wine, bottles and bottles. Actually, the owner sent us free champagne when we sat down -- the perks of being friends with avid dinners. Later on John Drewnainy met us at Robbie's and we went out to Park Place, then Eclipse, but that's all very fuzzy. I remember making a big deal out of Vince and smelling him a lot. Then we went to a party at someone's apartment and Jason Grimes, and Gwynned and a bunch of people were there and eventually we all slept in John's bed.
Friday I went shopping with Jess and Amy from 1 to 7 then came home and made kabobs for the cook out at Roisin and Josh's.
Saturday was the cookout. It turned out to be a lot of fun and the food was great. A lot of people passed through and we all drank a lot. It was such a good time and a great way to remember everyone. It was so familial, it's funny how we're all growing up and we're still friends --- so, "St. Elmo's Fire" of us. It's great. Roisin and Josh were great hosts and everything that everyone put into it was wonderful.
After the cookout, I went to the Brick with Kevin and Roy. Carson and his friend DeAnna were eating already (I missed his calls for directions to the cookout.) and they joined us after. We had a good time and had more to drink. Afterward Roy, Kevin and I went to Catherine's house. Not that she'd be there anyhow (she bought, renovated and fully decorated a 3-bedroom house that she visits about twice a month; for real), but she was at the Jaguar game, so we drank and hung out. Josh Bryant came over, and he and I went to Amy and Chris' where some friends were and said hello. Then we met everyone else out at Metro. I was so so drunk when we got there. Robbie and Josh had been at the game and were drunk too. We stayed until about 1. Later on I went back over to Amy and Chris' to hnag out, then back to sleep at Robbie and Josh's.
Sunday I went to lunch with Kari, Amy and Chris. It' by no means our last meal together. Knowing that made it impossible to be sad. Business as usual. Then I came home and packed-up until I went to sleep.
Monday I drove to Palm Beach. I hate the drive. My mom was stuck in California because flights were delayed due to weather so I was alone most the day while Jess was at her orientation at FIU and Dad was at work. That nite I went with Jess and Fig to meet Turtle and two girls at Tsunami for dinner. It was rainy and the restaurant was empty, but we had a great time with each other. Dinner was good, conversation was good, drinks were good.
After dinner we went to Cucina Dell 'Arte, a restaurant/bar that someone they know owns. We had a great time and talked to kids they knew from Cardinal Newman. Kids, who, you know, have been interning for Hampton magazine for the summer, or doing whisky-tastings in Oxford; normal stuff.(heh.) The owner brought us out free shots at the end of the nite. In fact, the rumor is that the owner might be gay so I gave him my number. I was drunk and feeling confident. Actually, he looked me up and down when I walked in and smiled, came to our table a few times and told me not to leave when I was settling my tab. He couldn't possibly be any older than I am. In any case, I doubt he'll call, despite my innocent line, "Great place, nice meeting you and if you're ever in Miami." -- but it was fun.
Today Jess, Dad and I went for our meeting with the co-op board at the apartment. I shouldn't say "board" (their term) because it was two just swingin' Miami retirees who basically read us the rules, repeating "No Pets" MANY times, and then whispered to each other in Spanish about our "passing" the "interview" and wrote on a piece of paper, that I guess goes in our file, that we are "very pleasant". We did all that and finally got access to where we will be living for at least the next year (hopefully two or three).
I need to first explain that our building is nothing fancy. No marble halls, soaring ceilings, or exotic potted plants. The building was built in 1983, and looks it; esthetically it hasn't got much going for it. However, the lobbies are being fully renovated, beginning next month, so maybe soon it will look less like a state-run mental health facility (you'll have to see it to understand) and more like a building with the name "The Georgian" at 16th and Collins Ave. in South Beach.
The apartment, on the other hand, is great. It's 1,000 square feet, but it doesn't seem tiny to me. My room is about half the size of my room now, but I have the master bedroom in Jacksonville and not in Miami. Jessica's room, the master bedroom, is a great size though, and has a walk-in closet, vanity area, and bathroom (with a bidet - strange). We share a balcony off our bedrooms and there is another balcony off the living room. While it's not ocean-view, it is ocean-peek (my way of putting it) and there is a wonderful breeze. The living room is spacious, and the dining room, though in a weird place, is big as well. The kitchen is sort of dated, but neither of us are chefs so it doesn't really matter. There's another bathroom in the hall that was just painted mauve (why?!) so I have to paint that as it will be mine.
I am very very pleased with the place on a whole. There are a few things that will take getting used to, like the primarily Spanish-speaking staff, the grumpy security guard, and using a community washing machine, but over all, Jessica and I can hardly contain ourselves.
We went to lunch at Nemo afterward, which was great. I can't thank my dad enough for all this, and I know, from what everyone tells me about being a parent, that he is happy seeing us so happy with something he picked out.
Tomorrow we will drive back to Jacksonville, pack up the U-Haul, say goodbye to whoever we can, and Thursday be on our way to my parents' house. Friday we move in and as of Saturday we'll be residents of
1621 Collins Ave. Apt 207
Miami Beach, Fl 33139
It's a lot to take in, but it's really happening. I anticipate everything will hit me sometime next week when I've run out of things to unpack and place and there is a lull in activity and I realize what a dramatic change my life has taken. On the way to lunch Jessica and I were remarking at how we know our lives are about to be turned completely upside down, (I realize I just borrowed a few words from "The Fresh Prince of Bel Aire"). I know it won't be, but it feels like I am going on the most exciting vacation ever. I feel like the possibilities are endless and that, despite the dangers and pitfalls, I will really grow in Miami. With luck I will be smart enough to avoid the wrong crowd and befriend some decent people who aren't just out for themselves.
That's not to say that this is going to be easy at all, but the downsides aren't evident yet. That's not to say that I don't realize I am leaving behind everything familiar and so many people that I love, but it's hard for me to process the downside with all of these amazing opportunities and this high that Jessica and I are both on. I hope it doesn't come off like I don't care about leaving Jacksonville because I do, I just can't feel it right now with all of this excitement.
Also, I'm quitting ALEXICON. I decided that 4 years is enough for one journal, and that there is so much stupid stuff on here (in addition to occasional great things) that it's time to take it off the net, after I can preserve all of it. So, in the future, I plan to use this as my new journal:
http://www.livejournal.com/users/the_georgian/
So really, now I have a new home address and a new web address.
I guess in ending a journal it'd be nice to have something profound to say, but it's not like I know anything. I guess if I were to review everything I've ever written on here I could sum it all up with "I don't know shit." -- and that's the truth. The one thing I do know is that I care a lot and I am passionate and most important I am alive. Not that I am just breathing and pulsing, but I feel very alive and I think, for the most part, I have been very open to every opportunity (that requires as little work and the biggest pay-off possible, of course) that has come my way. Maybe that's what I can come away from these years with. You never ever know what or who is around the very next corner and the possibilities are endless.
I've met a lot of people, done a lot of things and really feel that I have experienced Jacksonville as much as I could have between the ages of 19 and 23. I have a diverse group of friends with many different beliefs and backgrounds and I have done so many different things and been so many different places in the city, (many that I'm loath to admit!). Not to say that there aren't more adventures to be had in Jacksonville but, I'm so satisfied and so confident in myself and all of my serious and true friendships that I really do think it is time to go. It's safe to go. I do not feel, in the least, that I am leaving anyone behind because I know that everyone I am close to now is going somewhere and because we are individuals, our "somewhere"s are not in the same location. We've talked about it and talked about it and we know that in order to do something with our lives we have to move on. I know it won't be easy, and just because I'll soon writing about all of the fantastic things I'm doing in Miami (with P.Diddy and J. Lo) don't think I will ever stop wishing, for a minute, that you were by my side every step of the way.
I love you.
----cue Phil Collins----
Ghost and I'm out.
Last Thursday I went over to Robbie and Josh's. We were supposed to go to the Cummer for "Cafe Nights", but it was crowded when we got there and the buffet was picked over so we skipped it. But we did see Catherine Schnauss and her fiance Cameron. We went to Robbie's mom's house, had some wine with Mildred, and Father Conrad came over, then we went for dinner at Crush. It was great, and we drank lots of wine, bottles and bottles. Actually, the owner sent us free champagne when we sat down -- the perks of being friends with avid dinners. Later on John Drewnainy met us at Robbie's and we went out to Park Place, then Eclipse, but that's all very fuzzy. I remember making a big deal out of Vince and smelling him a lot. Then we went to a party at someone's apartment and Jason Grimes, and Gwynned and a bunch of people were there and eventually we all slept in John's bed.
Friday I went shopping with Jess and Amy from 1 to 7 then came home and made kabobs for the cook out at Roisin and Josh's.
Saturday was the cookout. It turned out to be a lot of fun and the food was great. A lot of people passed through and we all drank a lot. It was such a good time and a great way to remember everyone. It was so familial, it's funny how we're all growing up and we're still friends --- so, "St. Elmo's Fire" of us. It's great. Roisin and Josh were great hosts and everything that everyone put into it was wonderful.
After the cookout, I went to the Brick with Kevin and Roy. Carson and his friend DeAnna were eating already (I missed his calls for directions to the cookout.) and they joined us after. We had a good time and had more to drink. Afterward Roy, Kevin and I went to Catherine's house. Not that she'd be there anyhow (she bought, renovated and fully decorated a 3-bedroom house that she visits about twice a month; for real), but she was at the Jaguar game, so we drank and hung out. Josh Bryant came over, and he and I went to Amy and Chris' where some friends were and said hello. Then we met everyone else out at Metro. I was so so drunk when we got there. Robbie and Josh had been at the game and were drunk too. We stayed until about 1. Later on I went back over to Amy and Chris' to hnag out, then back to sleep at Robbie and Josh's.
Sunday I went to lunch with Kari, Amy and Chris. It' by no means our last meal together. Knowing that made it impossible to be sad. Business as usual. Then I came home and packed-up until I went to sleep.
Monday I drove to Palm Beach. I hate the drive. My mom was stuck in California because flights were delayed due to weather so I was alone most the day while Jess was at her orientation at FIU and Dad was at work. That nite I went with Jess and Fig to meet Turtle and two girls at Tsunami for dinner. It was rainy and the restaurant was empty, but we had a great time with each other. Dinner was good, conversation was good, drinks were good.
After dinner we went to Cucina Dell 'Arte, a restaurant/bar that someone they know owns. We had a great time and talked to kids they knew from Cardinal Newman. Kids, who, you know, have been interning for Hampton magazine for the summer, or doing whisky-tastings in Oxford; normal stuff.(heh.) The owner brought us out free shots at the end of the nite. In fact, the rumor is that the owner might be gay so I gave him my number. I was drunk and feeling confident. Actually, he looked me up and down when I walked in and smiled, came to our table a few times and told me not to leave when I was settling my tab. He couldn't possibly be any older than I am. In any case, I doubt he'll call, despite my innocent line, "Great place, nice meeting you and if you're ever in Miami." -- but it was fun.
Today Jess, Dad and I went for our meeting with the co-op board at the apartment. I shouldn't say "board" (their term) because it was two just swingin' Miami retirees who basically read us the rules, repeating "No Pets" MANY times, and then whispered to each other in Spanish about our "passing" the "interview" and wrote on a piece of paper, that I guess goes in our file, that we are "very pleasant". We did all that and finally got access to where we will be living for at least the next year (hopefully two or three).
I need to first explain that our building is nothing fancy. No marble halls, soaring ceilings, or exotic potted plants. The building was built in 1983, and looks it; esthetically it hasn't got much going for it. However, the lobbies are being fully renovated, beginning next month, so maybe soon it will look less like a state-run mental health facility (you'll have to see it to understand) and more like a building with the name "The Georgian" at 16th and Collins Ave. in South Beach.
The apartment, on the other hand, is great. It's 1,000 square feet, but it doesn't seem tiny to me. My room is about half the size of my room now, but I have the master bedroom in Jacksonville and not in Miami. Jessica's room, the master bedroom, is a great size though, and has a walk-in closet, vanity area, and bathroom (with a bidet - strange). We share a balcony off our bedrooms and there is another balcony off the living room. While it's not ocean-view, it is ocean-peek (my way of putting it) and there is a wonderful breeze. The living room is spacious, and the dining room, though in a weird place, is big as well. The kitchen is sort of dated, but neither of us are chefs so it doesn't really matter. There's another bathroom in the hall that was just painted mauve (why?!) so I have to paint that as it will be mine.
I am very very pleased with the place on a whole. There are a few things that will take getting used to, like the primarily Spanish-speaking staff, the grumpy security guard, and using a community washing machine, but over all, Jessica and I can hardly contain ourselves.
We went to lunch at Nemo afterward, which was great. I can't thank my dad enough for all this, and I know, from what everyone tells me about being a parent, that he is happy seeing us so happy with something he picked out.
Tomorrow we will drive back to Jacksonville, pack up the U-Haul, say goodbye to whoever we can, and Thursday be on our way to my parents' house. Friday we move in and as of Saturday we'll be residents of
1621 Collins Ave. Apt 207
Miami Beach, Fl 33139
It's a lot to take in, but it's really happening. I anticipate everything will hit me sometime next week when I've run out of things to unpack and place and there is a lull in activity and I realize what a dramatic change my life has taken. On the way to lunch Jessica and I were remarking at how we know our lives are about to be turned completely upside down, (I realize I just borrowed a few words from "The Fresh Prince of Bel Aire"). I know it won't be, but it feels like I am going on the most exciting vacation ever. I feel like the possibilities are endless and that, despite the dangers and pitfalls, I will really grow in Miami. With luck I will be smart enough to avoid the wrong crowd and befriend some decent people who aren't just out for themselves.
That's not to say that this is going to be easy at all, but the downsides aren't evident yet. That's not to say that I don't realize I am leaving behind everything familiar and so many people that I love, but it's hard for me to process the downside with all of these amazing opportunities and this high that Jessica and I are both on. I hope it doesn't come off like I don't care about leaving Jacksonville because I do, I just can't feel it right now with all of this excitement.
Also, I'm quitting ALEXICON. I decided that 4 years is enough for one journal, and that there is so much stupid stuff on here (in addition to occasional great things) that it's time to take it off the net, after I can preserve all of it. So, in the future, I plan to use this as my new journal:
http://www.livejournal.com/users/the_georgian/
So really, now I have a new home address and a new web address.
I guess in ending a journal it'd be nice to have something profound to say, but it's not like I know anything. I guess if I were to review everything I've ever written on here I could sum it all up with "I don't know shit." -- and that's the truth. The one thing I do know is that I care a lot and I am passionate and most important I am alive. Not that I am just breathing and pulsing, but I feel very alive and I think, for the most part, I have been very open to every opportunity (that requires as little work and the biggest pay-off possible, of course) that has come my way. Maybe that's what I can come away from these years with. You never ever know what or who is around the very next corner and the possibilities are endless.
I've met a lot of people, done a lot of things and really feel that I have experienced Jacksonville as much as I could have between the ages of 19 and 23. I have a diverse group of friends with many different beliefs and backgrounds and I have done so many different things and been so many different places in the city, (many that I'm loath to admit!). Not to say that there aren't more adventures to be had in Jacksonville but, I'm so satisfied and so confident in myself and all of my serious and true friendships that I really do think it is time to go. It's safe to go. I do not feel, in the least, that I am leaving anyone behind because I know that everyone I am close to now is going somewhere and because we are individuals, our "somewhere"s are not in the same location. We've talked about it and talked about it and we know that in order to do something with our lives we have to move on. I know it won't be easy, and just because I'll soon writing about all of the fantastic things I'm doing in Miami (with P.Diddy and J. Lo) don't think I will ever stop wishing, for a minute, that you were by my side every step of the way.
I love you.
----cue Phil Collins----
Ghost and I'm out.