Moving headache, literally and figuratively

After much red tape and miscommunication, I'm borrowing money from my parents for the initial payment and moving into my apartment tomorrow. I had wanted my living allowance to pay for this first month's rent, but it seems impossible at this point. It is disappointing that I had to come up with this payment; I don't think I'll be reimbursed.

Training in Washington went well. We stayed at a new, four star Hyatt Regency just outside Seattle. My roommate and I went downtown to see the new musical version of Catch Me if You Can, written by the creators of Hairspray and The Full Monty. It was mediocre, but we had a fun experience. Also, it ended up being a benefit concert for a nonprofit offering services to the impoverished, so we were happy to support that in part. The next night we went to Pike's Market and the Seattle Art Museum. It turned out to be free day at the museum. I'm not a big fan of iconoclasm, minimalism, or African art, and so was disappointed in the collection as a whole. However, it is a beautiful facility, and I did surprisingly enjoy the porcelain collection and a few individual pieces.

Well, I'm procrastinating on packing, which always takes longer than one expects. I've had a persistent headache all day that has sapped my energy and thrown me off schedule. May I recommend "Myles of Style" on www.hgtv.com as an antidote. I just discovered Kim Myles last night and after watching several of her shows (design shows are pretty much the only TV I watch, besides the Olympic gymmnasts) have remained impressed with her taste, flair, and ingenuity. She's had no formal design training, but that woman is good! She seems to really tailor her output to the client while still trusting her own judgment (after all, the client did apply to her show). She's quite creative, assisted by a capable carpenter. I'll have to add a carpenter to my fantasy list of handy friends. (Still looking for that mechanic...)