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Well, it's not like I didn't see this coming, but no sooner do I get off of the plane and start my move in to Cleveland than it starts to snow.  And snow.  And snow.  And ice.  And snow again (tomorrow I think they are calling for more snow.)  This means that in the past two weeks I've seen more snow than in the three years preceding it.  Wow.

So, yes, I'm finally moved in, and yes, that's the reason that I really haven't blogged in quite a while.  Now that the internet connection and the cable is turned on, my new apartment is setup, furniture has arrived, my car and possessions have been delivered by the moving company, I'm finally ready to do more simple things--like write a blog post about the experience.

First I will teach a lesson to all of my readers.  Be very, very careful what kind of quote you get from movers.  I wasn't and I was nickel, dimed, quartered, and hundred-dollared to the tune of a $4,000 moving bill (up from an original quote of $1,700.)  It was amazing how efficiently and quickly they piled the charges on.  First they couldn't get an 18-wheeler down my street in Seattle, so they charged me $300 for "shuttle service".   When I mentioned the fact that the very first thing they asked on the phone while making the quote for the move was my address and they should know that "Seattle, WA 98102" isn't exactly 18-wheeler territory, the guy just shrugged.  I was then charged "crating fees" for my piano, my DLP TV, and various pieces of furniture.  And two bags for my mattress and box springs.  And packing materials for my kitchen supplies.  And extra cubic footage fees to hold all of that newly-purchased packaging.  When it was all done, my plans for buying a secondary "snow" car in Ohio were looking more and more unappealing.  I did not want to spend anymore money.

Thank god the car moving was much easier.  In true Medina fashion, I was walking into the grocery store and while I was talking to a friend I knew in the parking lot, I happened to glance over and noticed a giant auto-moving truck parked in the back of the parking lot--with my car on the back of it.  (It's bright red and hard to miss.)  I walked up to the truck, talked to the driver, and I was driving my own car home 15 minutes later.  No extra charges with the auto shipping.

So enough with the moving stories, because they are giving me ulcers just thinking about it more.  The move back has been smooth--it's been great to see the Ohio readers of this blog (shout-outs to the Staley crew from CWRU that is still hanging out and partying strong and Amanda, who is a welcome addition to any social occasion.)  Scott has introduced me to Stevenson's, a tavern in Euclid that truly deserves its own blog entry.  To make it short--this is a place that serves excellent burgers and Great Lakes Brewery Dortmunders for $2.  Seattle people--this is a beer that is better (yes, better) than Mac & Jack's, and it's $2 a pint!

I'm also glad to be getting involved in music again.  Another organization worth its own blog post, I've joined the Baldwin-Wallace Men's Chorus which was recently started and directed by Medina's very own Frank Bianchi.  Quite a few Medina alums are there, so it was great to get back involved in music with them.  The big difference from the last rehearsal I had with these guys--we went out for beers afterwards.  Amen for that.

Besides for a short business trip to Atlanta, it's been great settling in and reconnecting with people--even though I definitely need some sleep and a day or two to finish unpacking!