Yesterday, Randy and I returned, exhausted from a busy trip to Philadelphia over the weekend. Our mission was to find a place to live. We toured rental homes as well as apartments and realized that we like the security of an apartment complex, not to mention all of the amenities. Our research showed that for most places, house or apartment, we would have to pay hefty deposits and first and last month's rent. We were so overjoyed to find that one of the apartment complexes that Randy had put on his short list before we left, were having move-in specials and huge decreases in their rent depending on when you moved in. We found an available floor plan that was way larger and nicer than our present one here in the Chicago area for only about $100 more a month and we did not have to put down a lot of money for deposits. The property is right next to a beautiful park, in a wonderful neighborhood, only about 7 miles away from my hospital. We were so thrilled to find where we wanted to live on Saturday that we though it would be smooth sailing for the rest of our stay.
Life is never that simple. Monday and Tuesday we spent having to delve into Randy's rental past to clear up some issue that unbenownst to him or me arose back in 2005 that only now jumped out in front of us when this particular property did our "background checks". We saved money on moving in but ended up spending a hefty wad of cash to settle things and get all misunderstandings straightened out, but this morning Randy called me from work to let me know that everything was secure, all was fixed and that we would be receiving our leases via Fed Ex for us to sign. I was so relieved!
When I came to Philadelphia for my residency interview I did not really get to see much of the city and its many unique neighborhoods. It was pleasantly surprising to see how lush and green the area is and how many quaint neighborhoods and beautiful parks could be found while still having the ability to drive a few miles and feel as if you are in the middle of all of the activity.
On Monday, we had lunch with some of the faculty and residents that I will be working with. I got to try on white coats to make sure that I had ordered the right size, and I was always being introduced as Dr. Mills. It was so surreal but pretty cool. Randy got to visit an office that his bosses had reserved for him in a building right in the heart of downtown Philadelphia (Center City per the locals).
One thing I did not expect was how unwell I would tolerate all of the driving. It wasn't just being nauseous, which was a part of it, but just the jostling of the car in traffic made my insides feel very uncomfortable. Its hard to explain, but by the time we got back to the hotel each night, I was absolutely exhausted. Randy took good care of me, as usual, and we both survived a tumultuous weekend. It wasn't all bad. We did manage to have a good time amidst it all. I am glad to be back, knowing that our mission is accomplished.
4 comments:
Yay! I'm so glad you and Randy were able to find something suitable! Can't believe you're moving all the way to PA!
Dr Mills, how cool is that? I remember the first time I told someone "thats okay, I'm a nurse, you can tell me" and I felt like they might call me a fraud or something---but they didn't and I am a nurse! I imagine being called Doctor is that much more pleasurable since you've had to sacrifice that much more blood, sweat, and tears to reach that role.
How fun! Glad you found something :o) Did you get to do any of the fun touristy historical things yet? If not, I'm sure you'll have loads of opportunity when you move! Yay!
We did not do much touristy stuff. We really tried to learn the area and see all that would be available to us as residents.
Yes, I know exactly what you mean Amy. Its like an out of body experience, like it was not me they were talking about when they said Dr. Mills. But once I remembered all of the years of 15hr a day study sessions and threatened nervous breakdowns, I am able to say, yeah I AM Doctor Mills lol
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