Moving In Day

• By Johanna Nuding+
• Posted in Change, Italy
• On January 11, 2013
• 7 Comments.

“I love moving in day.” I say that sarcastically every time I move…it reminds me of that horrible Mucinex commercial with the cartoon phlegm moving into some weary souls chest.

*sigh*

As I write this entry, I can’t believe it’s only been 12 hours since I hopped on the bus to get the keys to my studio apartment. It seems like that was two days ago. I feel exhausted, banged up and beat up; at the same time, I feel lifted up, thrilled, grateful and blessed. But most importantly, I feel at home.

Eight months ago I moved out of my condo in downtown Austin and have been roaming around like a gypsy ever since. I haven’t missed having a bunch of “stuff”, but I’ve sure missed having my own space. I packed up a very heavy box in Austin last week (67 pounds to be exact) and shipped it to Italy. It was important for me to have some of my favorite things around me – a few books, pictures and mementos, my cozy robe, favorite pillow, satin pillow cases my Joyce Bear made me, my super delicious blanket, American chewing gum and ziplock baggies, yoga mat and foam roller, my Sex and The City pink velvet box set, etc….like I said, IMPORTANT stuff!

No moving day goes without hiccups. Upon arrival, there were two workers with the “kitchen” torn apart installing a new gas line. My iPhone and MacBook chargers keep tripping the breaker box and the kitchen sink has a leak. Good news is, my landlord is Johnny on the Spot, but he goes by Marco.

Kristi, who helped me find the place through her relocation service truly has been a guardian angel. She’s from Georgia, but has lived in Bologna for ten years and speaks excellent Italian. Kristi clearly hasn’t forgotten southern hospitality. Upon arrival, she had stocked my apartment with the essentials (toilet paper, paper towels, cleaning supplies, linens, etc.). She even had some drinks in the fridge. After getting my keys and learning how to open doors and windows, use the washing machine, work the intercom/buzzer system, turn gas and water on/off, etc. Kristi took me to get my phone and internet situated. I was sooooooooo thankful to have her with me to translate at the Wind store. It would have been nearly impossible without her.

I’m happy to report I’ll have cell and internet service tomorrow (that’s when I’ll post this update). I’ve basically had no communication with the outside world today. I think it’s been a blessing in disguise because it forced me to clean the apartment and get completely unpacked and settled in to my cozy new space.

I took a few pictures to show you what I’m working with. I’ll hit IKEA on Monday for some little things and am getting either a love seat or twin size bed (that I’ll situate daybed style) to add to the space. I’ll post updated pictures once the pad has been completely Jo-ified.

Entry way with “kitchen door” closed:

The “kitchen” with door to hide the mess if I’m not in the mood to do dishes:

My “bedroom”:

Amazing, space-making built ins:

The bathroom AND laundry room:

Fantastic make-up lighting:

Shower for tiny people:

The $356 box that arrived on time, but beat to hell.  Amazingly enough I only had one thing suffer minor damage:

My quaint street:

 

UPDATE: Since I wrote this all of my apartment and communication issues have been resolved.  Skype me.  Whatsapp me.  Email me.  FB me.  Follow me.  Hire me.  Whatevski!  I’m officially available for consultation.

Love and Bologna*,

Johanna

*This is funny to me because I know 90% of you pronounce it Oscar Mayer style.