Today marks my first week of life in Atlanta. It still seems unreal that only a week ago I packed up everything in an ABF trailer and hit the road in my Nissan Altima headed to ATL. Looking back, I don't regret anything…Well at least anything other than the decision to drive by myself for 13 hours. If you have ever driven anywhere from the great state of Texas, then you know that crossing the Texas border is generally half the battle! By the time I reached Beaumont, I was already wishing that I was on a plane. Being in a car by myself for that long gave me lots of time to think. With nothing but wide open spaces ahead of me I had time to think about what I was leaving behind and time to think about all the exciting things that I have to look forward to.
As I drove further and further east, the sites became less and less familiar. I was truly entering a new and different world. I have to admit that I felt a bit sad leaving behind my family, friends and all my favorite places but the excitement ahead of me outweighed all that. I kept picturing my great new job and the opportunity that I've been given to really excel and establish myself as a professional. I truly have a clean slate with no preconceived notions or assumptions about who I am and what I can do. I thought about all the new friends I'd make and hopefully the new guy(s) that I'll be meeting soon. I pictured fabulous shopping sprees at Lenox Mall and late nights partying at Compound and the Velvet Room.
Well…my first week has been a lot less glamorous than I imagined. My days have primarily been consumed with handling all the mundane details of moving like unpacking and paying lots of different people. I did make time to attend For Sisters Only with one of my new friends which turned out to be really great. I've also done some shopping and I have to say that Atlanta has some of the best shopping I've ever seen! This is coming from a serious shopaholic who has traveled all over! In Atlanta, they sell Gucci at DSW and Giuseppes at Marshall's. I am in heaven although my checking account might be in hell….
