| Wednesday April 3rd 2002 Last night I got the keys to my apartment and moved in my first van load of boxes; a scene that's going to repeat itself several more times this week. What won't repeat itself was the moment I sat down to plan out the furniture arrangement, given this is the first apartment of which I have been the sole occupant. It's just like having your own bedroom, but with multiple rooms. Only it's more than that; you're planning the layout of rooms you intend to invite others to visit, and you want it to make an impression that is distinctly you. You want it to serve your living habits, and reflect your lifestyle. You put things where you think they belong, and where they're most convenient for you. My original plan for the sitting area clearly wasn't going to work, after I had time to look things over. So after rearranging furniture a couple dozen times in my head, I eventually settled on something that I think will do the job. I've considered different things I'll use the room for, like eating dinner or watching TV, or just relaxing with a good book. There will be at least one ideal place in this room for each of those things, and for others. I was intending to put my computer network in this room, but that's being relegated to the bedroom. That will be a better place for doing my writing anyway, away from the large windows, the tv, the kitchen and any other distractions. Everything else should pretty much fit in the main room without its being too crowded. Today I should call the phone company and get my line set up. I should also call the cable company pretty soon. I was originally intending to get a cable internet connection, but with the only cable hookup being on the far side of the sitting room and my computer now in the bedroom it wouldn't work too well. I figure I can forego the faster connection in the name of saving money and discouraging hours of time wasted on Internet surfing. Sounds noble - we'll see how long I can stand it. I obtained a fine deal on an already installed air conditioner, which will come in handy since apartments in this building - as I know from experience - tend to become mighty hot. That one complaint aside, I'm confident I've found a place I can comfortably call home. |