The streets of Philadelphia

Oh man. Really...oh. man. So I made my peace with Lawrence and left Friday afternoon. I went home to my parents' house to spend the evening with the fam. During dinner, my mom and I got into the BIGGEST fight since I was, you know, like 14, which culminated in my screaming that I was driving back to Lawrence and I'd fly to Philadelphia on Monday. My plans were thwarted by my mother, who decided to leave and take the car in which all my stuff was packed. This was about eight hours before we were scheduled to leave for a 25-hour trip across the country. She came back a little later, we both calmed down and decided we didn't hate each other.

But it's Monday now, and we made it safely to Philly last night. Without killing each other and with only a couple of minor detours. As for my new apartment...we got here in the dark, but I assured my mom that there were only bars on ALL the windows because "it's the city. That's what they do." I'm on the second floor, so my windows are bar-free! What I'm more concerned about in no A/C. I'm pretty sure the guy told me there was a window unit in the bedroom. Not so. It is not hot yet, but by July it will be blazing. Shit.

So I've sorta decided to quit smoking. I know, who am I now? I doubt this will last, namely because I don't really want to quit. But I always say I'm not addicted, because I don't think I crave cigs, but that doesn't sound like a disillusioned addict, right? Anyway, I was finally able to prove it to myself. I didn't even think about it on the trip out here. And if my mom doesn't drive me to smoke, I say I really am not addicted.

As for Paige's visit to Jon, all I have to say is WHAT??? My training last year didn't even allow visitors, let alone going out. And what is this cave business? On one Saturday we only had class for half the day, and the other half was our "afternoon of relaxation." They (our keepers) took us on a guided tour of the Liberty Bell and Penn's Landing. Whoo.

Tomorrow is my first day of work. I'm just sort of guessing about the bus route I take there, but I'm confident I'll figure it out. And, Burhenn, snap out of it! You are a hardass woman of news!

-Neeley

P.S. Never, EVER, ever step foot inside Philadelphia Wal-Mart. Not even to grab something quickly. First of all, there's no such thing as quickly, and second of all you will be scarred by its imprint on you until the end of time.