The new digs

    I'm slowly settling into the new house.  So far, so good. I can't say that I love the moving process, but it does seem to force me to get rid of a lot of unnecessary "stuff". Probably could have/should have gotten ride of more... I told a couple of friends that the next move I make will involve me moving my knapsack of worldly possessions. Hopefully, that will take place a long, long while from now or at least long enough so those who schlepped the many boxes of my "stuff" (God bless them!) will have forgotten just how horrible the entire experience was and once again insanely agree to help me.) Awww, a wonderful dream... where all my worldly valuables fit comfortably into a knapsack. That's not too much to ask, is it?
    Anyway, the new casa is a two-bedroom house with a lot of yard out back. (You can take the girl out of the country, but you can't take the country out of the girl.) What can I tell you? At least for now, I need some green space.  The backyard is roomy with a big tree and plenty of grass... (Lucky loves it!)
    Technically, I have neighbors on two sides of me... but there is a street and a lot or so separating us, so I do feel like I'm a little bit secluded from everyone else. (I like it that way!)
    Work is a mere 20 minutes away, which is nice. I've tried some experiments of how to spend my "drive" time. I've attempted to drink my a.m. chai tea  but honestly, I was so nervous that I was going to spill it all over everything that I couldn't really enjoy it! I've listened to XM (always a good choice!), and I've even got caught up with friends on the phone (I know, I know... not the safest way to travel, but at least I'm not texting!)
    As far as the local amenities go, I am a mere stone's throw away from a popular coffeehouse, all kinds of restaurants, and a movie store that has... dare I say it, an actual selection of movies! I'm lovin' it!
    Let's see, I've also ridden my bike along the nearby greenway, as well as around my new neighborhood, which seems pretty friendly and nice.
    And apparently, it's nice for a reason. 
    My landlord stopped by pretty much the first day I moved in (there was an issue with the hot water not working in the bathroom. Quickly remedied, I might add.)  Larry told me a little bit about the house (I guess he was raised in it.) He went on to say that the neighborhood is nice because those who live here keep it that way.
    "I don't know if you are prejudiced," he continued,"but I am. This neighborhood stays nice because we keep the "coloreds" out..."
    Huh? Did he just say what I thought he said?
    He then paused and turned to me. "Do you understand what I'm saying here?"
    Uh, there wasn't much doubt in my mind what he meant.       
    I nodded. "Yeah, I understand what you are saying."
    I may not speak prejudice, but I sure as hell understand it.
    Funny how threatening, mean-spirited, ignorant comments can take all the good energy out of a room (OK, maybe even a house... at least for a little while.)
    Lucky for me, the love of the friends and family who helped me move over, move in, and unpack was simply more powerful.
    But I will ask you to please pray for my landlord that his heart is softened... just a little. Mine too... cause I can't seem to refer to him as anything else now but "the idiot."
    I was looking for a growth experience in moving this direction. I suppose the lessons have just begun...
    Welcome to the neighborhood.