And the sublime style's still straight from long beach

Below are some highlights from my trip to Philly/NJ. Dad, Ash, and I spent 3 days looking at places I found via Craigs List. Turns out, I ended up picking a place I saw on Day 1 (naturally). From the start, I had an image of what I wanted- I like older places, hardwood floors, big windows, crown molding, with a vintage charm. I hate cookie cutter apartments. I lived in them for 4+ years while at UCF. I visited a number of converted homes that had features I liked, but also visited two high rise apartment communities which I knew would appease dad. The community I chose is in a small town less than 10 minutes from campus. It's also only about a 10 minute drive to Center City! There's a pool, fitness center, dry cleaners, and mini mart in the courtyard area. It's basically a self sustaining community. There's a huge park right across the street which I can roller blade at and walk a dog (when I get her).  Despite not being what I initially envisioned, I like my apartment. It's carpeted (not my favorite), but my living room and bedroom both have an entire wall of windows which let in a lot of natural sunlight. I have a clear view of Philly's city skyline from my place. My bedroom is pretty big and I have 2 walk-in closets and the kitchen has new stainless steel appliances (not that I'll spend much time in there). The building requires a keycard for entry which my family likes. 

On a different note, I spoke to my sister and brother-in-law last night about living near Philly and being in the city. I asked if they had bought me pepper spray yet. John, who is a cop, said, "NO, you would end up spraying yourself!" Then I said, "But what happens if I get jumped?" His reply, "Amanda, if you get jumped, I'm driving up there in my piece of shi- truck and putting whatever can fit in the back and taking you back home." And I don't think he was lying. He's not the only one who is apprehensive about my move, alone, up north. O, to be loved. And by the way, they already bought me my pepper spray. Ha. 

Excited that the law school is located on my campus. 

Boys who want to be lawyers = glorious.

Living room windows

Kitchen. It's small, but has stainless steel appliances and a DISHWASHER.

One of the high rise apartment buildings.

View from my apartment. A favorite feature of my new place. (:

Taken to the floor, with the reach to the sky...

My 4th of July celebration this year was very different from previous years. This year, I spent the holiday covered in mud. For anyone who knows me, this is pretty shocking. After all, I don't like to get dirty, or sweat, or do anything that requires me to get dirty and/or sweat. I am truly, a "girly girl." I surprised myself when I agreed to go 4-wheelin' (after a bit of persuading). 

I arrived at Allison's party and was met shortly after, with several guys riding in on their 4-wheelers, absolutely covered in mud, from head to toe. I was greeted by Brent, who said, "come on, let's go." I laughed and replied with, "I'm not doing anything that's going to make me look like that (as I pointed at him)." I vowed that I would not be going 4-wheelin'. Well...I did. After being asked several times to go, I caved. It did look like fun, dirt and all. So I changed my clothes (of course) and hopped on the back. The best part was the trail was extremely muddy because of all the rain (wait, did I just say that?), so lots of "puddles" to go through.  The plan was to drive all the way out to Valrico Rd., but we started running low on gas so had to turn back, but not before I got good and dirty. It was SO much fun. Much more than I had expected, and I can't wait to go again. Another surprise. 

Of course, my dad's reaction to my recounting the evening's events was, "I hope you wore a helmet." O, dad. Silly, silly. Grant it, my brother-in-law did break or sprain something a few years back on his 4-wheeler....a few pictures for your enjoyment. 

Me, before 4-wheelin' (mud courtesy of Brent)

Brent (AKA "Muddy")

Us: Falling off the back of the truck

And the rest, is history. (: