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Valley of the Sun Adventure: New Apartment

After we got to Phoenix, we had very few things for a week. Basically, we only had everything that we packed in our vacation bags and that was it. Because we were moved by Jon's company seven years ago, I remembered a few things that I really wish we'd had in corporate housing, so they were packed in boxes which were to be dropped off at our temporary housing.

It's interesting what companies believe you need in an apartment. The most interesting is what they think a family of seven requires. For example, when we first walked through the apartment I noticed two bath towels in each of the two bathrooms. Hmm ... four towels for seven people??? Thankfully, the company that had stocked the apartment had put an extra two towels in our closet. And, in addition, we had the towels we used the night before the move that were packed in a temporary housing box. But, it sure would have been interesting to see how many times I'd have to wash towels so we could all bathe throughout the week.


Maryanne still loves to empty out and play in the cupboards.

To further exemplify what I can only think to call "ignorance," we were given a 'welcome' giftbag that included a small box of kleenex and a sinlge toothbrush. At least they went that far to welcome us, and I'm indeed very grateful for the kleenex. Especially since the first thing the children did after walking through the apartment is use the bathroom. Bathrooms that were naked ... that's right: no toilet paper.

I could probably go on and on, and list several things that I am either grateful I remembered to pack in the temporary housing boxes, or things that I wish I'd packed. In any case, if you ever do a corporate move like this and end up in corporate housing, pack:
  • a roll of toilet paper
  • measuring cups (the dry ingredient kind)
  • griddle (if you use one)
  • potato masher
  • lamps (unless the apartment has lighting, ours did not)
  • plastic dishes for the children*
  • plastic utensils*
  • toys for the children*
  • extra bath towels*
  • extra pillows (you never know if you'll get pancake pillows like we did)
  • extra dishcloths (we were only given two washcloths, dishtowels)*
  • crockpot (if you frequently use one)*
  • stand mixer, or hand mixer (if you frequently use one)*
  • blender (if you frequently use one)
  • extra casserole dish (no 9x13 dish here)
  • spatula
*all things I remembered to pack from experience, or got packed on accident

A few of the things I packed I was so grateful for: my crockpot (it's too hot to bake all the time ... I know, I know it's not even July yet *sigh*), my stand mixer (I've made two birthday cakes, fondant, and cookies ... I am so glad I remembered this), my own vegetable peeler (I know, bizarre, but really glad I have it), extra mixing spoons, books for the children, the children's toy boxes, and extra clothing.

So, to get back to the story. Here we are, we just got to the new apartment (one without toilet paper), and we are all in total vacation mode. The next morning we get up early and go house hunting. My aunt was gracious enough to watch our children for us while we went hunting. And, the children had a blast playing with my cousin's children whom my aunt watches as well.
Jon, Maryanne, and I went house hunting all day long. .....

... to be continued ...

Comments

Aubrey A said…
Oh wow! No wonder you're dying to get into a real place of your own. I mean living in an apartment with 7 people would be bad enough, but then you'd have your stuff. Living in corporate housing sounds like a joke (and a really bad one at that)! Wow! I'm really excited to see your new place & hear all about the fun moving there.

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