Longest Move Ever

There's good reason that I haven't posted much yet, nor changed my blog title: I'm still not moved in. My stuff hasn't arrived (I haven't seen any of it in over 3 weeks now). Until today, I was using Lynne's office as a resting place. I am technically living in my apartment, but *living* consists of a (newly purchased) Ikea sofa bed, dresser, the world's most fantastic patio set, and 2 majesty palms. Oh, and new wireless access. And, of course, the contents of my suitcase.

No couch.

No TV.

No proper shoes (although I broke down and bought another pair of Chucks. Red low tops this time).

No phone (I refuse to use my cell, as I have to keep my Toronto number because that's the only way the damned movers can get a hold of me when they do come).

Its a good thing I'm a relatively laid back person, because many people put in my position may have lost it by now.

Yes, you may be feeling sorry for poor, poor Anderson at this moment.

But before you bring out the small violins...

I have met the other new faculty member. We get on like 2 houses on fire. She's a hell of a lot of fun, and our type of peeps. She is a Forensic psychologist, and I think that we are going to be able to do some really cool research together. Also: lives across the courtyard from me. Which is especially useful, as she has had me over for dinner (seeing as I don't have the facilities to cook my own dinner yet), provided me with plates and cutlery (which vastly improves the selection of entrees that I can eat when I DO choose to eat at home), and satiates my need to occasionally imbibe. Swee-eet.

I have learned that even though I possess virtually nothing at this point, there is no way that I will ever survive without a washer/dryer, dishwasher (which I haven't used but recognize the potential), or 2 bathrooms again. You may think to yourself: what the hell would one person ever need 2 bathrooms for? But when you have to pee, the mere fact that you don't even have to decide "left or right?" (either direction will get you to the desired goal) saves valuable time on the way to the can.

I have also checked out my 3 locals. Ceili's goes without saying. Lynne and I went to dinner at the Sherlock Holmes, which is a fantastic Pub located 3 blocks from my place and offers the illusion of British entitlement, And we just got back from the Sidetrack, where we saw a sampler of bands that we shall see in full force at Waynefest in September. And its only a block from my place. It's like God realized that I needed live music and decided to create a venue just for me.

And the best news of all is that I now have my new computer. His name is John Frink. As I removed him from his box, I shed some tears. He's just so goddamned pretty. He comes with a remote (I know, I know: What would you need a remote for? But I had a hell of a lot of fun sitting at the other side of the office and looking through my iTunes playlists). Unfortunately, the next couple of days are sucked up so I don't have a chance to set him up properly, but I know that he's waiting for me.

As with any good love affair, its the anticipation. The sweet, sweet anticipation.

Why... HERE I am!

Before I say ANYTHING, I am fully aware that I am now going to have to change the title of my blog. I will do that at the earliest opportunity. But such a change takes time, as I am going to have to come up with something witty.

As of this moment, I have been a resident of Edmonton for precisely 61 hours and 14 minutes. And only now do I feel like I am fully awake to appreciate this change. I have spent the last 3 or so weeks in a permanent state of sleep deprivation, due to a combination of packing/wrapping things up/being taken out for a gazillion goodbye drinks. I think that I FINALLY caught up as of last night. Honey must think I've lost it, as I have been asleep for a large part of the 61+ hours that I have been here.

Also, the fact that I am getting substantially more oxygen here due to the fresh Edmonton air may be contributing to my acute narcolepsy. Even though, like Cleavers , the sun doesn't seem to be on board with my Let-Anderson-Sleep plan. It's pretty light here. All the time.

While not asleep, we have been running around the city getting Anderson organized. I have finally seen my apartment (though nothing is in it right now...). It is lovely, and everyone who will come visit me will appreciate that the visitation accomodations are substantially better than those received at 18 Tichester. Although my possessions have not yet arrived, I have already purchased the sofabed, dresser, and patio set that I knew that my new apartment would require. Did I mention Edmonton has an Ikea? Thank God.

I also picked up my car. Sans stereo. Someone nicked it between here and Toronto. Since I pretty much live to listen to music in my car, I feel that I spiral into a slight state of depression everytime I get behind the wheel, reach to turn on the CD player, and find my finger pressing blank air. As such, I have been trying to get quotes on replacing the damned thing (which is 'supposedly' covered by the shipping company... we'll see when I submit my expenses), as I may go crazy due to sensory deprivation.

And in the midst of organizational chores, we were even able to make it to watch the Engerland footie at 8am Saturday morning at E&C on Whyte. Every Englishman in Alberta was there. They filled to capacity 10 minutes after opening their doors, and we were lucky to find standing room next to a bar. Apparently, the staff had not expected a turn out like that, and were severely understaffed. I accidently bumped a RAVING bitch of a waitress during a bout of enthusiastic cheering, who proceeded to swear and curse at me like a sailor/whore. While she tried to make nice later in the game by talking to me, I ignored her (Oh Anderson and your passive aggressive tendencies). I will not be going back to that bar. Oh, and my mood was not lifted as Engerland lost in penalty shots. That was the saddest thing I have ever seen.

We went into the College on Friday to say hi... I was very warmly welcomed by all that I saw. Some joked that I would be getting phone calls at all hours by the chair seeing that I am living so close to work... I think they were kidding... on the square...

And today we must come up with a list of course descriptions for the Faculty of Science syllabus. If I had any preconceived notions of gently being introduced into the world of tenure-track faculty, those are now gone. I'm hitting the ground running. And looking damned forward to it.

Because I'm pretty sure that if I have a blank second, the fact that I have moved 1000+ miles from home may actually sink in.