An added note: December 31, 2007

Avoid the Myrtle Beach Wal Mart at all costs. (Columbia residents: Don’t blame me, please. I am new to the area and haven’t found an alternate grocery store yet.)

The store was completely full on a Sunday evening. I have yet to buy any groceries for my new place, other than some eggs, bread, oj, salad and pickles. Enough for my egg sandwiches. Today, however, I decide that it’s time for a bit more. There are people everywhere. Entire families go shopping for their groceries in Myrtle Beach. There are 7 people following one, ONE, cart. Never in my life have I experienced this.

I was able to read an entire magazine (as the second person in line in the express aisle) because the people in front of me spoke absolutely no English. From what I can tell, the cashier speaks zero Spanish, so I step in and tell the people that she needs one of their driver’s licenses so she can card them. Finally, they get it, and I get to finish up.

I think I have some adjusting to do.

Just one more day… December 30, 2007

Until I start work and have something to take up my time. Whenever I was at my very busiest while I was in school, all I could think about was how great it would be to sit around and do nothing. Now that that’s what I’ve been doing for the past few days, I don’t feel that way anymore.

I didn’t leave my apartment yesterday until about 5. I went to check out the mall and look for wedding bands to match my engagement ring (success – and on sale, I might add). Then I went to this Japanese place for a bit of sushi. It was pretty decent for being so cheap. I want to get out to the beach today and maybe drive around and get lost for a little while. I have the general geography of the area down, but I don’t really know how to get anywhere other than the few places I’ve needed to go over the past few days.

I’m excited/nervous to start work Monday. Wish me luck!

time for something new December 29, 2007

So, I am finally here in my new apartment in Myrtle Beach. Dan, my dad and I spent two days driving across the country with a trailer full of my stuff. My new apartment is really nice. It’s a one-bedroom place about 2 miles from my work. It has a fantastic kitchen, spacious living room and well-lit sunroom/office area. The bedroom has a closet that will actually hold all of my clothes and shoes. The place is actually pretty big, and it makes it look like I have hardly any stuff. I’m so used to living in tiny, old college apartments that I don’t really know what do to with myself. I think I’ll enjoy living here.

We spent most of yesterday unpacking, but managed to make it out to the beach after dinner for a little while. The weather here is gorgeous — I’ve had the windows open the entire time I’ve been here.

Dan and Dad left today. I was a little sad for a bit, but I know everything will be fine. I just want them to have a safe trip home. I start work on Monday, so I have today and tomorrow to be lazy and do nothing. I’ll be working Mon-Fri from 3:30 to midnight for the next two weeks, then the schedule will most likely change. I’m ready to have something to do.