Courtney Amber: Busyness And A Blister

After living in Arizona for almost twenty-one days, -Nearly a month!- I am more than confident that moving here was one of the best decisions I have made in my whole life.

Do I miss my family and my old store in their own ways?
Of course!

Have I quickly adjusted and welcomed in new friends and a new store?
Absolutely!

Since April 30th, I have done so much!

1. I said goodbye to my family and the house I had grown up in since I was 5.5 years old

2. I had the opportunity to see semi-clearly into the pilot's cabin on both of my flights during each of the 1+hr delays we experienced flying from MHT to BWI to MDW to PHX

These are mainly for my little brothers' enjoyment ;)

3. I have already begun taking MANY photos of my new surroundings

By the time our plane arrived at PHX, it was 1am, over 1.5hrs after schedule. Luckily, that didn't make the views of the city from the air any less lovely

After Massachusetts' haphazard, paved cow-paths, I am so grateful for Phoenix's easy-to-understand, grid-like street system!

4-7. For the first time in my life, I was not greeted at the airport by anyone!

While trying to keep track of my two huge suitcases and two carry-on bags, I hailed my own taxi, was dropped off at and located my new home, and met my two new roommates in person for the first time.

It was a crazy night!

8. I fell asleep for 4 hours, then woke up at about six-in-the-morning with nothing on my mind but the desire to explore Tempe, get a few essentials for my new home, and meet my new Starbucks store family as soon as possible!

So, of course, off I went!

I was SO excited to finally wear shorts again!

Haha : P

*Casa Los Cerros* itself is not really an exciting place -Except the two community pools and the hot tub at its center!- but it is cute and I enjoy walking through the gates when I am on my way to or from work :)

This is the enclosed patio area which is located in front of where I am staying...

... And this is the sign outside the complex...

9. I also learned about the pro's and con's of the Arizona bus system

Luckily, it's a straight shot down a main road from the end of my street to where I work and to my friend's house, so figuring out the bus system has not been a problem for me whatsoever!

Unfortunately, one must have EXACT change when purchasing any passes on the bus.

So, for someone who only had a ten- and a twenty-dollar bill with her, I guess I wouldn't have gotten my money back...?

The bus driver was a bit too rushed to explain it all to me, so I ended up getting a free ride.

Beginner's luck

;)

I still do not understand why or how it works, but later I was able to purchase a monthly pass that works for both the bus system AND the light rail as well!