I can tell that we are gonna be friends.

There are cardboard boxes still folded over and stacked up in my living room, but I am unpacked. What a feeling.

It did not come without struggle, thanks to my nostalgic tendencies, but everything has its place (almost) and my new home is looking glorious. I absolutely love it. I feel serene, relaxed and comfy cozy in my new walls.

I love it so much that I find it hard wanting to leave my living room and the sound of my record player to go exploring. Well, that and I’m getting over the plague. But I peeled myself off the couch and have started to wander around the greater part of my new home.

It seemed like I waited days to receive my first piece of mail that wasn't junk as I was impatiently waiting to get my new library card. Since I don't have a Washington license, this is required in order for them to hand over the goods. Now I feel intellectually connected that I am the proud owner of a Seattle Public Library Card.

I've also found the nearest Target and have paid them two visits. Balance.

On my first night out with one of my girlfriends that lives up here, Sarah, we found ourselves in the funky streets of Fremont. I've visited this area before on previous trips, but it very much reminds me of the weirdness of Portland and I'm pretty sure I'll find my corner there as I had such a good time walking on its sidewalks last night and today. We went to The Dubliner, an Irish bar as the date of March 17th calls for us all to become Irish or a descendant of some famous leprechaun, then found ourselves food that wasn't Shepherd's pie and additional libations at Dad Watsons. The best part of this night for me was unknowingly finding a parking spot right by the troll underneath the Aurora Bridge. I know most wouldn't find such excitement in the presence of an unsightly troll (especially if your surname is Sheen), but it happens to star in one of my favorite movies and seeing that concrete face of disgust on St Patty's night, brought me great joy. On our ride home, the downtown city skyline was to our right, all lit up, and I couldn't believe it was my time to be apart of this city.

In another internal dispute this morning, I thought it would be a good idea to maybe get some work done on my upcoming term being that I have no material whatsoever prepared. To further convince myself to remove thy booty from thy cushion, I gave myself permission to do some not-so-window shopping before I found a cute cafe and got to work. Back in Fremont, I rummaged through 99 cent bins of Vinyl to find a few select gems I had been looking for and of course, walked away with ones I now could not live without. Some Simon with his boy Garfunkel, some Elton, Billy, and Tommy James & The Shondells ("Crimson & Clover" is one of my faves of all time). My record collection is really starting to fill out.

Afterward, I was innocently walking to my car to find this cafe, when the words "Wine Warehouse" invaded my line of vision. I stopped in. Just to look around, of course.

I met Michael, the owner of this mecca of wine. He told me about the special events, the free tastings they have on Fridays (did I mention it was Friday?) and I left the store happily with some vino and now as a member of this great establishment. I have already received an email of upcoming events that I can't wait to attend. Now I feel Oenologically connected.

Eventually, I found my cafe. What I didn't find in my bag that I packed so well, was my laptop. Oh well. I guess work will have to wait.