What a week it’s been. Levi and I have completely moved into our new apartment, and have found a place for almost everything – including our two cats. (I still haven’t found a place for the stuff that I never should have packed in the first place – Yeah, I’m talking about you, giant stuffed penguin..) I was a bit nervous about whether or not I could get everything to fit in the new apartment, but after some down sizing and brainstorming we managed.<br/><br/>The new apartment is really nice. It isn’t the fanciest apartment, or the most updated, but it has some character to it. At first, being on the bottom floor was a scary thought but I don’t feel so nervous anymore. The bottom floor has a lot of benefits. For one, it was very easy to move into the apartment. It is also nice not having to carry our bikes up three flights of stairs after a ride. (Though, I must admit, I enjoyed how easy it became to climb the stairs without carrying my bike.) Living in the city limits of Tacoma has a lot of benefits as well. For one, we are a quick bike ride away from everything we need. There are a lot of grocery stores within 5 miles of our apartment, and there is even a Target less than 2 miles up the street.<br/><br/>With the new year, and the new apartment, I am hoping to bring some changes to my life. For one, no more extravagant spending. I really ought to be saving for my future with Levi, I would like to buy a house within the next 5-10 years and at my current pace that won’t be able to happen. Also, I would like to do more for the environment. I have already switched my cleaning supplies to eco-friendly and natural options, but I still have some room for improvement. First, I would like to switch to energy saving bulbs throughout my apartment. I also need to start recycling more. I don’t have an excuse not to with the new apartment, as just down the hill from us is a large recycling facility. Currently, I don’t recycle much at all, and I really need to start doing so.<br/><br/>One last thing I need to start doing more is cycling everywhere. I don’t think I will ever be able to live without a car, but I know for sure that I can get my refueling down to at least once per month – maybe, even less. I am not quite ready for the commute into work from the new apartment, as it is almost 10 miles. I am hoping that in a few months I will be able to make the trip, but for now I am going to stick to my car for commuting into work. Levi is already commuting to work; in my defense, his commute is only 3.5 miles round trip while mine would be about 20 miles. (Speaking of cycling, I hit my 100th mile this morning!)<br/><br/>That is pretty much it as far as life goes. I hope these next few weeks are a bit calmer than this last week has been. It’s time to retire to a night of watching TV, and then bed. Good night, and happy 2012.
Published on January 1, 2012 by Stephen