Driving lessons

First, let me say this, I hate my car. No, I like the car, but I hate driving. I would like to live in a world where I never had to drive a car except on back country roads with all the windows down and the music blaring. Other than that, I want to be able to walk to where I need to go or to whatever mode of public transportation will get me there. I remember when I turned 15 and unlike my peers, I dreaded the idea of getting my learner's permit. What was wrong with my current rideshare system? Why did I need to learn to drive when I was getting to places just fine? What if I got in an accident? But then I forgot about the fear after a couple times of go-carting and became a driving enthusiast. So, I got my learners permit and started driving with my parents, which was probably a bad idea, because my mom is the most squeamish passenger and just created in me this inherent fear of merging lanes, tractor trailers, and the interstate in general. I avoided I-81 at all costs until time came to take a car to college. Then the inevitable road trips with friends were planned and I'd be the first to volunteer NOT to drive, especially if it looked as though the route might involve any 3+ travel lanes. There was a time when I wanted to move to Nashville, but every time I visited there, I was either a) almost in an accident or b) almost witnessed an accident. So, out of fear of driving there, I never up and moved there. I probably would have if they had reliable public transportation.
However, recently, I've been on a big move-my-life-forward power trip, moving, and looking for a new job, and all, that I must've forgotten all about this big fear. Because, here I am, navigating my way around the city like a seasoned (okay, sometimes nearly soiled) pro. And although I still hate driving my car when I could use public transportation and walk/bike, I went from avoiding interstates in the Shenandoah Valley to commuting around the 6th largest city in the U.S.!
I will, however, be getting a Railpass once I figure out where I'll be working...

My first night

Yesterday was my first official day as a Philadelphian. I found a nice rowhome with affordable rent, a cool roommate (one more to come soon), and I have 2 windows in my bedroom! My closet space is a little unfortunate, but I've had worse. I'm not quite used to the fact that the view from every window is looking into another house. I wonder if when it comes time in life to move into a house in the suburbs, if I'll have to get used to NOT seeing other windows outside of mine. Anyways, last night I went to the Manayunk Brewery and Restaurant (I highly recommend their Peach Wheat and Schuylkill Punch Brew; I like beers with a low IBU) and then walked the Main St. of Manayunk, and it was exactly what I needed to feel home. Not that Main St. is anything like my experiences in Lexington or Harrisonburg, but it looked exactly like the kind of place I've always imagined myself living at--cobblestone sidewalks, quaint shops and cafes, people sitting inside and outside, an artsy vibe in the air, right next to a long boardwalk by the river. sigh, my soul was at ease. Needless to say, I slept pretty well. I'm surprised that I haven't cried yet about moving, but then again, it also has yet to sink in that this isn't just a vacation from my life in Harrisonburg, this IS my life now. My roommate just moved from VA as well, so we're both adjusting from living in the valley (she's from Radford) to living in the city. From my experiences so far though, I already know that I will have a hard time leaving this place when/if that time comes. I went running this morning, in my attempt to keep up the good habits while leaving my bad habits in VA. While I was out exploring, I saw signs for recreational/social sports league sign ups, so I went online this afternoon and joined two floor hockey leagues. One starts next Thursday, and the other begins in October. I can't wait!
As for the job search... I've put in applications to some places, one of which is a Studio Coordinator job and sounds very similar to what I was doing for Rosetta, I'm hoping to get that job, but I'm also enjoying unemployment for a change. I figure if all else fails, I'll go to a Temp Agency in a couple weeks and try out a bunch of different jobs in order to find what I like most.

I have only one complaint that I must throw in: our front door deadbolt is infuriating sometimes! It takes too much elbow juice and takes way too long to get inside. The landord said it's only because the heat causes the door to swell and get stuck, and that it should be fine once the weather cools down, but this is not cool! On 100 degree days, the last thing I want is to be working up more of a sweat trying to get into my nice cool apartment!!! Other than that, Philly is great so far!