To Move or Not to Move?

On Monday I went to Manteno to look at an apartment. It's not the prettiest thing in the world but it's certainly better than what I live in now, and $75/month cheaper to make it all the more enticing. And it's about three minutes from my new job which, unfortunately, I will not be actually starting until late May or early June. Until then, I'll most likely still be working in Mokena which isn't an easy drive from Manteno but doable.

The question is...will my sister move with me or strike it out on her own? Sure, I could afford to live on my own and I think it would be nice, but it's also convenient to have someone to split the bills with. But she works and goes to school in South Holland - about a 30-minute drive - so does it make sense for her to move way out to Manteno? It will be cheaper, but she has other alternatives. Hmm. Well, I took some pictures of the apartment I went to look at and they are below. They were taken with my cell phone so do not wince when you click on them to see the "full" version. I apologize for the quality but it was all I had.

Good So Far...

Well March is here and it's been a good month so far. Actually a great month.

On Thursday, March 3, I interviewed for a new position at the bank: manager of the new Manteno branch scheduled to open in mid-May. On Friday (while on my way to Iowa for a weekend with my family) I got the call from the interviewing manager: she had selected me. Woohoo! The offer is a 12% increase over my current salary and I would start April 1st. Being the cautious guy that I am, I told her I'd talk it over with my family and let her know on Monday.

The next day (Saturday), we all went to the Prairie Meadows Racetrack & Casino in Altoona, IA. I came out $50 ahead playing nickel and quarter slots. Fun stuff!

On Monday (still in Iowa) I called back the interviewing manager and let her know that I accepted the position. She went on to tell me that I was her first choice. How sweet is that? So now I really am Mr. Manager.

And today...to top it all off...I participated in the U2.com presale for the fall leg of the Vertigo//2005 tour. I managed to score two GA tickets for the show on Wednesday, September 21 at the United Center in Chicago. Yes!!! I've been waiting to be in the GA section ever since I saw two shows on the Elevation 2001 tour. This is going to be so cool!

Hopefully I'll have more good news in the coming weeks...and I won't forget that a new month has begun in my absence.