A Fresh Start

Well gang, the first couple weeks in Orlando were pretty rocky, but things seem to be settling down some. I start work this coming Friday (finally!) and can start working on and fixing all the things I've wanted to since the craziness of July 2009. This means money back in savings, paying down the credit card, student loans, etc.

I'm living in east Orlando near University of Central Florida in a new studio flat that's a little smaller than my old flat, but after living on couches and in a single room for the last year, it feels huge. Looking forward to decorating it Beach Condo style with a slice of Contemporary/Minimalism/Retro 70's. Speaking of minimalism, it's almost a necessity with this new place. Smaller scale and multifunction furniture are big considerations, as well as not having so much extra in storage and a lot of junk sitting out. Don't worry, I'm not going for the avant garde "big open room with a chair and a vase" routine, but something much less cluttered and easy to take care of. Yes there will be some warmth and color in there as well. White, blue, and green are the main palette. This is a sanctuary and a place of rest and calm after all.

Finding my way around is getting easier and there's a wealth of my fave stores about 10 minutes away. Work is within 15 minutes. Hey, the less time on the toll roads, the better. Save the parks, I don't have to leave this end of town. Oh, and there's a Blimpie/Godfather's Pizza/Dunkin Donuts in the Hess gas station down the street. Total win! :)

In the spare time, I'm still working out and working on Java. Recently found a ton of O'Reilly media books in the Apple App Store. For those that don't know, O'Reilly is good stuff for tech and programming references, and to be able to carry them on an iPod is awesome. This MAY be a good excuse to get an iPad once the important things are settled.

Park wise, it'll be a while before I can get annual passes to Universal and Disney, but they will happen. Those are pretty steep, but the eventual Florida resident discount will help.

The main thing I wish to do for now is RELAX and slow down. Too much of the past year has been constant worry, frustration and duress. It's going to take me some time to switch out of that mode since it's so automatic, but I'll throttle back and actually start to enjoy things. Believe me, the calmer seas are greatly needed and most welcome at this point in my life.

More adventures to come. :)