Taking the leap on Leap Day

If there's ever a day to do something wild and crazy (and potentially disastrous), why not choose a day that only comes around once every 4 years? Case in point: I have no idea what I was doing on February 29th, 2008. No idea.

And four years from now I probably won't remember most of the 87 things I did today. But hopefully I'll remember one thing--because I did something totally brave, completely scary, and highly rewarding (hopefully!!).

And I had no idea that today was, in some ways, the day to do such things (didn't realize it until someone mentioned it at choir tonight).

Anyways, this is a huge deal for me--for others it's second nature, but for me it's a big deal. And at this moment  I'm oh-so-proud-of-myself (and would prefer to not relive the scene in the bathroom where I'm giving myself a pep talk in the mirror and rehearsing my very basic line which includes handing over my cellphone number, asking if he's seeing anyone, and recommending we get together for dinner or something soon--and then running like heck).

The good news is that he said he was thinking the same thing (sigh of relief from me). And, later he texted and said I made his day (double-sigh of relief).

And so the adventure begins!

A beautiful day in the neighborhood

So, I'm thinking of moving. I'm tired of the commute to work and church (two places where I seem to spend the bulk of my hours), and though I love my little apartment with it's open floor plan, breakfast bar and built-in desk, I don't love it's location.

But this is the joy of apartment living--when your lease is up (which mine is later this spring) you can choose to stay where you are, or embark on a new adventure elsewhere.

The pain and suffering of packing and actually moving is only a momentary trial, right?

The most exciting part is that I think I'll actually move to a "community"...sure, I'm in a community now (and really, community is what you make of it), but the areas I'm looking at seem to have a demographic that matches my own: young, smart, hip, etc. (Actually, maybe they'll rub off on me!)  Unlike many of my friends and colleagues, I don't need to live in a neighborhood suited for kids, families and dogs--that's not me. I don't need to live in a neighborhood suited to senior citizens--not me (yet!). I need to live someplace vibrant with life, someplace that will force me out of my comfort zone (in front of the TV or behind a book), someplace where people engage in living life together.

Don't get me wrong:
Apartment living isn't for everyone.
Apartment living in an urban, downtown environment isn't for everyone.

But I'm excited--I love old things and downtown has a lot of historic properties with unique architectural details (the photo above is from a property at 6th Ave & Roosevelt). Plus, there's a post office and coffee shops within walking distance--what more does a girl need?

Hello, hello? Is this thing on?

So...I haven't posted in awhile.

No single reason why...though the downward slide started when things got a bit crazy last summer.  I returned from Europe (without a tattoo or boyfriend). I changed jobs. I insanely tried to juggle several jobs. I wanted to run away and join the circus.

But now I'm back and have oh-so-many-things to post about.

An overview of my 2011 trip-a-month travels and plans for 2012.
My new car, new job, new plans to move into downtown Phoenix.
An update on my 101 list (my 1,001 days expires on Oct. 14, 2012 so I had better get crackin' on things!).
My adventures in babysitting, my so-called dating life, my love for all things book club & Downton Abbey related.
A short story about how Tastefully Simple has changed my "cooking" and gift-giving life forever.
My new iphone and exposure to the phenomenon of itunes.
Etc., etc., etc.

Let the fun begin!