If you follow me on twitter, you may have seen my mood slowly declining. If you haven’t, my trade em post couldn’t have come at a better time.
I would trade… no internet/cable in my new apartment (well duh) for some at home luxury service. I mean seriously, I feel so scattered because of it. I don’t feel like this is my home so therefore I am just not completely comfortable there. This still feels like a transition rather than a settling in period.
I would trade… being denied at a public library for copious amounts of free books and movies. All I wanted was to check out some tv shows and books. But no. Because I am so new in my apartment and am subleasing, I don’t really have any sort of proof of my current address. Wah wah, the lady kindly turned me away. I was on the verge of tears just because I was so desperate to finally find entertainment. 
I would trade… being continuously charged by RedBox for giving their company a swift kick in the butt. This event made my blood boil. I went to return the three dvds I had rented. Well I only got email confirmation of two of them. I called the company and they told me the machine I returned them on was malfunctioning. Until they can get a repair person out there I AM BEING CHARGED for that dvd. Say what? I asked if they could freeze my account because I did return it. Nope, they couldn’t. WHATTTT. Nothing I can do but pray that guy gets there fast. 
I would trade… spotty wifi in my third Starbucks in two days for the fast connection at the library. I sat at the public library for over two hours trying to tame my reader and catch up with stuff. It was so freaking fast I loved it. Each Starbucks I have hit just goes slow and painfully slow. Sorry if my comments are sporadic or non-existent because of this.
I would trade… my crappy homemade coffee for a perfect mixture. For some reason I can’t get my coffee to taste right. I either add too much or too little ground beans. I am not willing to buy coffee everyday so I have just been drinking it. Oh, the pain I go through for my frugality. Anyone know the best amount of coffee per cup of water? Help a girl out.
I would trade… my lack of food creation motivation for a stellar night preparing dinner. I think the fact I am avoiding my apartment like the plague makes this one quite difficult. My meals have been boring and basic because I am just not happy in my apartment. I want to start trying new things and get out of this food rut. I can only eat so many eggs… 
I would trade… the high priced frozen yogurt for an unlimited froyo budget. You know what I love even more than froyo that is even worse for a budget, Arctic Zero. It is the one ice cream that tastes delicious and doesn’t hurt my stomach but seriously $5 per pint. EEEEk. I can’t do that even weekly. But I crave it so bad. Gr. 
I would trade… my ‘I’m fine’ go to to actually saying how I feel. I am and have always been that I’m fine girl, never saying how I actually feel. I got so much better with this the past year but for some reason, I have fallen back into that phrase. Not good. When family members ask, how are you – i’m fine. Friends write, how’s DC – I’m fine. 
I would trade… this constant feeling of chaos for some rest. I think I am just on edge even in the apartment that my body is just in panic mode. I can’t seem to find that ‘me’ time or down time. Even in Bikram I noticed it was harder to catch my full breathes I normally can in hot yoga.
I would trade… my start date being moved back a week to starting yesterday like it should have. I know I should be cherishing this week I have but routine helps me. Routine is my starting point to settling in. Just means I will be that much more excited when I start. 
Yesterday kind of hit, ran over and then back up on my self esteem. I was trying to stay so positive about this new place or should I say new home but now I just feel homesick. Let’s see what today brings.
Questions: What would you trade up this Tuesday? Any customer service horror stories? What is your overpriced item you can’t get enough of?
One of the more embarrassing overpriced items I can’t get enough of? These garlic stuffed green olives at an olive bar. I know. It is embarrassing.
“Yesterday kind of hit, ran over and then back up on my self esteem.” I am going to borrow that sentence some day. I bet plenty of people can relate to that.
I would trade the cold constant rain for that warm sun heating my back.
I would trade financial insecurity for knowing it is all going to be OK.
I would trade the hours of worry for hours of sewing.
Good luck making your apartment YOURS. I have lived in my same rental for over 10 years and sometimes still I find myself needing to get away from it.
Aw Samantha thanks for these kind words. You know we all have our over priced items we love, I am not an olive fan but my mom would sure go for those. Glad you like that little phrase, use it all you want – it is a great metaphor. I couldn’t agree more with all of your trades.
I’m SO with ya on arctic zero, why oh why must it be so darn expensive?!?!? An overpriced item I can’t get enough of is definitely the turkey flavor of Perky Jerky– its like $5 for one measly serving, but it tastes so good!
Whoa I have never of Perky Jerky but it sounds absolutely delicious! I hate those overpriced items you just have to have.
My self esteem suffered a hit and run last week, and then got thrown up on by someone ugly. So needless to say, I hear you. Ugh. But my week is better so far – I hope yours gets there soon too!
Although I love my job, today I would trade it for one that requires me to be outside for 10 hours. In my bathing suit. I hate being stuck in doors when the weather is beautiful!
I know, I get so jealous of people with those jobs outside or in the sun. I am sorry about the self esteem blow – that is such a downer and I hope everything works out well! I will of course be thinking of you.
I’m sorry that you’re struggling to settle into a routine here in DC. I know it’s frustrating to get settled into a new place especially without internet. Hopefully you’ll get some paperwork soon (like from the cable company) that will prove your living situation so you can get a library card.
If you get a chance, maybe you could try going to see some of the Smithsonian museums downtown. There are always different exhibits and I always enjoy playing tourist (plus it’s free).
The good thing is there is lots of free things in DC, I have been walking everywhere just to explore. Great advice!
What the flip?!?! Why the heck would RedBox charge you? That’s so stupid and totally not your fault. Sorry it’s been tough lately :/ Hopefully that just means things will go up from here!
Oh I know, RedBox and me are not on good terms. Let’s hope that guy gets there fast!
Oh my goodness, I soooo feel you on the Arctic Zero thing. Luckily I found a place that sells it for more like $3.50 a pint, but still, that’s pretty steep for something you eat in one sitting!
I hope everything turns out for you dear, it sounds like you’re having a tough time!
That is cheaper than here! Sometimes they are almost 5 bucks. Thanks for your encouragement Katie!
I’m sorry you are having a tough time right now! Things will get better soon once you get settled and in a routine!! I’m a “I’m fine” girl too, but sometimes you just need to let it out.
Oh man glad to hear I am not the only I’m fine girl out there. Some people are better at just letting it all out I guess.
I love Arctic Zero!!! I wish the price was lower too
Some people just hate it, but I love the texture and everything.
You CAN tell people how you really feel! It might be hard, but you need to remember that your family and friends aren’t asking that just for the hell of it; they truly want to know. They want to know about your new life in DC, all the ups and all the downs. They want to be there for you when you’re struggling and congratulate you when something awesome happens (which it will!). I tend to pull the whole “I’m fine” thing too. My mom and my boyfriend have learned to be able to tell exactly when I’m lying. So if you start to do it too often, people will figure out your secrets… :p You can always talk about anything on here too!
Gosh this is all great advice and something I would totally tell someone else but always forget it applies to me too. I think I am reaching out to friends more, even if we can only talk through a text. Thank you for these sweet words of encouragement.
Those someecards are brilliant. I would trade my crazy long work hours for vacation. Now. I can’t even wait util Wed night. LOL!
Vacation is so close for you! Yay!
I hope you feel better soon Alex! I think it’s normal to experience what you’re feeling. Most people don’t like change and you just went through an entire lifestyle change that couldn’t have been really prepared for. It sucks that the librarian was being a sassyquatch though!
Haha cute word, I like it. It was just one last straw that I was so not prepared for that day. I was so proud I found a library in the first place
Oh Alex,I hope you feel better soon…
You know,I know this feeling to not be “allowed” to tell the others how you really feel,but trust me,you DO! We all care about you,dear; you’re precious & loved. Plus,you also wouldn’t like someone you love to lie to you and pretend he/ she is fine all the time if it’s not the truth,right?
You deserve to get the support you need,never forget that. <3
kat, you are so right in this. It is sometimes hard to justify that idea that I deserve it. Something to definitely work on!
ahhh I hate to hear that you’re stressing and not being able to fully enjoy your week of settling in – It always seems that once one thing goes wrong, everything goes wrong. But all these emotions are frustrations are so typical and are the price to pay for change – I’ll keep my fingers crossed that they all go away once you start your job – i find a routine def helps to keep me sane as well!
I am hoping today is a bit better or more calmed down. Let’s hope no more frustrating causalities.
I strongly dislike Red Box. Every time I get a DVD it never works! Hope things go better for you in D.C.
They are on my hit list so I couldn’t agree more.
Welcome to DC! I promise things will get better! You will meet tons of new people at work and things will get better. Just give it some time. We still have to try and get together so you don’t feel so lonely!
I keep wanting to find a running group but they are so far away from where I am and I am never exactly sure on the address. I am trying to just be patient with the transition.
Well, things can only go up from here right?? That is totally horrible about the library – maybe if you go in and read right in front of the librarian every day she will get the hint. Try to read noisily (is that possible?)
And, still in problem solving mode, contact Arctic Zero and offer to do a giveaway on your blog for some free goodies. Some for you. Some for us. It’s a win win!!
My favorite splurge is the teeny tiny bags of pomegranate cashews that cost four bucks and claim to be four servings but I can eat in one sitting. I buy them only when they go on sale, however if they are in the house I eat them so it just keeps costing more and more.
Hope things pick up soon!
Hmm now my wheels are turning, a giveaway is something I have really wanted to do. I am hoping it can only go up from here! thanks for reading, I need to check out your blog now for sure.
aww I totally know how you feel, homesickness is normal, especially when you’re alone with no internet. It’s really awkward and unsettling, but I think once you do get things with internet, cable etc worked out, it’ll feel MUCH better to be in your apartment. In the meantime, I find that decorating helps a ton! Oh and starbucks wifi does totally suck. they overcharge you for their crap excuse for coffee and then jip you on the internet. I clearly love starbucks hahaa. I wonder if there’s a Caribou Coffee near where you are, they’re MUCH better on both ends of the deal!
Can you believe I have not ordered a drink once since i have gone to a Starbucks? I have gone to at least two starbucks per day… haha. I think the internet will make my apartment a lot more homey
Oh man, I’m sorry! But I think being overwhelmed comes with moving to a new place, I’m sure things will get better in no time, just keep your head up
… And I wish Jamba Juice was cheaper (I know it’s not a product but it’s in the same realm of thangs) I bought a green smoothie last night for $7!
Haha, I know all those healthy smoothie type places just take your wallet from you! thank you for the encouragement.