Welcome to The Queen City!

I made it!

The drive here felt like it took forever, but luckily for me, I had a couple good friends to help me out with the move, which made the task a little less daunting.

It's been in the 90s here all week, with really high humidity. My hair isn't too pleased with the move so far, but I'm starting to feel pretty comfortable. I've found my way to the library, grocery store and a few local parks, which means today I have more exploring to do in the shopping district. I also hope to find a yoga studio nearby.

When I moved to Chicago, I had my dad cleaning and organizing all my stuff as it was dropped inside my front door. This time, though, I was on my own. I had no idea how much stuff I actually have! Let's just say, it was enough to fill a 24' moving truck, plus my cute little Vibe. My new place is a little bigger than my Boystown walkup, but my bedroom is smaller so I have to pare down the furniture a bit. What I'm most excited for is my office...formally known as the Pretentious Reading Room.

I use the term "office" loosely at this point. There's a futon for guests, a second bookshelf stuffed with books and an incredible desk, which is where I'll get my creative juices flowing, if you know what I mean. At least, that's the plan. There are a couple of universities nearby, so I would like to take on some editing work for dissertations and whatnot. There also might be some potential contract communications work for a few campaigns. My first priority, though, is the job I came here for, which starts on Monday! I'm so excited, and really looking forward to a true 9 to 5 gig. Not to mention, everyone I've met and interacted with so far have been amazing, and I think the work environment is going to be a great one on a lot of levels.

Here's the thing about going corporate, a fact that made it on both the pro and con list for Cincinnati: It's going to be amazing to not have work rule my life, and to be able to use my salary to not only support myself, but actually have a little fun. I'll be able to go to a 6 p.m. yoga class. I won't have to work on Saturdays. As a matter of fact, I can come home and cook myself dinner instead of jetting out of the office for a quick bite at 8 p.m. before going back to finish some press releases.

The schedules I kept in Chicago made living a little difficult. My gym membership went mostly unused because I worked 15 hours a day. My commutes were long. I didn't have much time to meet people. My salary also wasn't anything to brag about. Of course, what I'm making now will go quickly once I factor in rent, a car payment and a 401K, but I think I've worked my budget out to allow me to take the trips I've been wanting to (look out Cali and NYC!!!), as well as have some fun around the City of Seven Hills (or Queen City, whichever you prefer).

In short, I'm feeling good, in spite of the heat. I made this offer to you all when I lived in Chicago, and I'll make it again--you always have a place to crash in Cincinnati if you feel like making a trip. Heck, I'll even sweeten the offer...a full-size futon instead of a couch. Any takers?