One Month in Georgia

I've now been here one month. One month and one day technically, but who's counting?

People tell you to expect the shine to wear off once you are living together full time. So far the shine is still bright. We're both settled, the unpacking is done, the house is organized, and the dog has adopted me as her own. We've divided up the chores, and figured out how to share the single car between us. We are keeping our finances separate, but all the money is ours. We have a church we can call home, and Southern Belle even found an old co-worker who goes to the church.

I'm much more active here than I was back in Illinois. Part of that is out of necessity. The computer is upstairs, so I can't avoid climbing steps. That's a good thing, as stairs are good exercise. At least my knees are in good shape, even if my spine is not. Part of it is also by choice, as I am enjoying the increased mobility my weight loss is giving me. Ironically, I've had to start using my cane much more. I've found that using the cane relieves some of the stress on my back and allows me to do a bit more.

As far as adapting to life here in general, that's taking a bit of getting used to. The landscape is absolutely breathtaking. The mountains are beautiful. The kudzu is eerie. The people are friendly, but sometimes hard to understand. I'm sure they think the same about me, though. Finding a game has been the hardest task. The game community in North Georgia is mostly in the Atlanta area, and even there it's not that big. I'll find a game, it is my task and my destiny. But dang, I wish it was easier.

Time Gets Away From You

It has been a while since I posted something. I guess I've been too busy enjoying life to write about it.

There is a lot to do and get used to when settling in to a new place. Since I've never moved very far before from where I grew up, I didn't appreciate how much of an adjustment it would be moving to a totally new area.

Socially, I'm still trying to get things going. I've found a game store where they have table space to host games. That's the good news. The bad news is they don't have a consistent game group meeting every week. That is a problem, as I was hoping to make contacts at the store. I did meet one guy who seemed interested, but I haven't heard from him again. So far, anyway.

We've found a church we enjoy, and we've gone the past two Sundays. I'm very happy about that. It's important to me.

The unpacking is finished, and the stuff put away. Most of the reorganizing is done. At this point, the house is presentable. We've divided up the chores, with Southern Belle doing most of the cooking, but I will cook something on rare occasion. Usually breakfast, because that's what I'm best at.

Life is fine, and I'm incredibly happy here.

Easter Sunday

Southern Belle and I did something special on Easter. We took a road trip into North Carolina to see waterfalls and other natural beauty. We saw Talullah Falls, Dry Falls and Bridal Veil falls. Loads of walking and today I'm paying the price for that, but it was so worth the pain.

Talullah Falls wasn't that impressive as far as waterfalls go, but the park was beautiful just the same. Well worth the visit. The path through the park was paved with shredded tires, so it was very easy on the feet.

The park at Dry Falls was closed, but that didn't stop us and a bunch of other tourists. The barrier fences were trampled flat, so getting in was easy. At first Southern Belle didn't make the trek down, and I was a bit leery about it also, but I really really wanted to see those falls. I had caught a glimpse from the road and just knew I had to see them. Getting down was a bit of an adventure (it was obvious why the park was closed - it was in poor repair), but the falls were breathtaking.

Once I got to the falls, I regretted that Southern Belle didn't come down with me. A romantic moment missed! But when I looked up, I saw her at a landing regarding the falls and the slightly treacherous path down to them. I motioned her to come down, and she started out. Southern Belle later told me she hadn't seen me waving to her but had decided to continue on her own.

We kissed under the falls!

Bridal Veil falls was anticlimactic by comparison. It was nice. Not thrilling, but nice. The only cool thing about Bridal Veil falls is that you can drive behind the waterfall, but the lane to do so was closed. So it was a pretty "meh" experience.

It was a truly special Easter Sunday.

Settling In

It's now been a week and a half since my last post. I've been busy unpacking, sorting, and settling in. We haven't established a routine yet, mainly because of the upheaval in the house as we attempt to integrate my stuff into her stuff. Boxes, boxes, everywhere.

Still, we've gotten a lot accomplished. None of the rooms are finished, but already my presence is imprinted upon nearly every room. The bathroom has my toiletries and hair products (yes, I use product - sue me). The living room has some of my family pictures and my beloved chess set. The office is where my presence is most felt, with my computer, TV and entertainment center, globe, clock, bookshelves, books, and shelving units shoved into the closet which holds mainly my books, comic books, and general random stuff. Even the kitchen has my imprint on it because of a couple of kitchen appliances I brought (my microwave oven and toaster oven were newer than hers).

Stuff is important in a way. Not for being "stuff" in itself, but your stuff is a reflection of who you are. Having your stuff says "I'm here." Of course, it helps if your stuff has a place to be. Sitting around in unpacked boxes doesn't really cut it. The dining room is still a disaster area of boxes.

Also, I have met some of the locals. At Lowe's, we were helped by a friendly salesperson who directed us to a place where we could get what we needed for less cost. Of course, I was also struck by his appearance and how he talked. He was big and burly, with no neck. He talked with a slow heavy drawl. After we walked away to other parts of the store, I said to Southern Belle, "That was a good ol' boy." She said "Yep, that was a good ol' boy. You'll find a lot of people around here are friendly like that."