{Where We Live}

Admittedly, it's taken a while for us to get these put together, but here you are, a glimpse into our cozy apartment in Suzhou. Please excuse some of the messes, spring cleaning is underway!

The master bedroom with the rare find king size bed.

Storage, and lots of it!

Our bathroom, complete with a variety of shampoos to combat the hard water.

The kitchen has an amazing view of the lake, but it didn't quite show up in this picture...

Dining area/fridge

Shot of the living room from the dining area

The entrances to the bathroom and guest bedroom.

The living room opens into the master bedroom and a closed in laundry room that was a big selling point for us. Most people here hang their laundry outside - weather, smog, and all. yech.

The apartment came fully furnished including the entertainment center and surround sound... that isn't exactly set up due to a overall lack of wires.

The guest bedroom

The guest bedroom has the best view in the apartment with a huge window that overlooks the lake. On a sunny day this is the place to sit and read!

-Ashley

Felicitous Retreat

As I promised before, pictures of progress of the personalization of my "cozy" little nook of an apartment. A little before and after action perhaps?

Dining area:

Hallway:

 

  

Kitchen

  

Living Room

  

 (Bedroom is still has a ways to go)

There is still A LOT of things I want to do, but bit by bit it's slowly coming along. :)

Home Sweet Home

This week was atrocious at work, and I'm just grateful it's the weekend!. Last weekend I had to be out of my old apartment and into my new one blizzard or no! It was a bundle of stress and everyone involved is glad it is done and over. My new place is... a step back I guess you could say from where I was. It's a lot more money to live on your own, that's for sure! That aside, I'm loving the independence, coming home to more furry and agreeable roommates than before, and having a space totally my own to run, decorate, and use as I choose. This morning the women in my family came together to help overhaul and clean the place ceiling to floor because the previous tenant left it less than clean...to say the very least. It's now a sanitary and much more comfortable place to dwell in. Over the next week or so I plan on turning attention to homier touches, artwork, and arranging. Pictures to follow !

Every Day is an Adventure

I've had a pretty good start to my adult life so far. I've had bountiful support from friends and family every step of the way both emotionally and financially, and have been blessed in spite of myself. I have the amazing opportunity to obtain a job in a time when it has been difficult for most. I've also been blessed to be in a position of independence. Now, this has come in stages. As of next saturday, I will for the first time in my life be able to say that I am completely and totally independent financially in my life. I will be moving into an apartment all on my own, devoid of any roommates!

I've had my moments of gripe over having to share my living space with others, but I cannot deny that each individual that I've shared a dorm/apartment/house with has taught me more about myself and how to interract with other people in this world than anyone else ever could. I appreciate each and every one of them for the lessons they have taught me. I'm going to miss ( in theory) living with someone else.

Have no fear though. I will not be totally alone in my new phase of adventures. As those who know me well are well aware, I am a sucker for animals big and small. Over the past year I've picked up a few oddballs here and there and have collected what I like to call my dainty menagerie. A truly odd and potentially disasterous mix; I have two fish that have been named and renamed (they don't seem to mind) thanks to friends and roommates, two animated and attention grabbing pet rats that inhabit my quaint 3rd grade classroom( see adjoining blog), and two darling cats that will share my living space with me. I'm never with out entertainment, affection, or company with this crew. I look forward to the next phase of my life as it unfolds, and sharing it with friends, family, and the animal kingdom. Stay tuned.