Duluth Number One

I'm all moved in to my new apartment. I started living here about a week ago. It's nice, about a block away from Lake Superior. We can see the lake out the living room windows. I live with two roommates, Shannon and Brendon. They're nice people. I'm not sure how well we mesh, but we don't not get along. They're not the type of people I would usually hang out with, but they're nice folk.

I've been taking nice long walks almost every day. I've explored the shoreline, downtown, and some of the shadier neighborhoods . . . which, compared to Chicago, are tame.

I have a new friend, his name is Travis and he is also a vegan! YAY!!! He's a raw vegan, though. While I can't cook for him, our relationship does offer me some lovely advantages. He works at the natural food Co-Op, about four blocks away from my house. When we went shopping there yesterday, I got his employee discount! WOOT! That may be a one-time deal because the cashier who was ringing us up was quitting. Still . . . advantageous! And then today, Travis called me after his shift and told me that he was bringing me a bunch of deli food that they couldn't sell after today! WOOT! There were 9 boxes of this roasted tempeh/carrot/leek dish (tasty). A couple packages of a tofu-based dip called Midnight in Morocco (super tasty). And two pieces of blueberry chocolate cake (EEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!). I did the math after he left, it was like $50 worth of deli food that I got for free!

Travis is a really sweet boy. He's a philosophy/poli sci major at University of Wisconsin Superior. But he lives in Duluth. He's smart, ambitious, vegan, and he treats me very well. I've only known him for two days and he brought me a giant sack o' food! I don't think anyone's ever been that nice to me. I mean . . . that's the kind of shit I do for people. People who aren't in my family don't do things like that for me . . . ever.

I dunno. Similar ethics I guess.

Also today, my mom and dad came to take me shopping and bring me some things from home. We went to the campus to pick up my textbooks and then to the mall so I could buy a date book at Barnes and Nobel, and so my mom could eat some lunch. Then Target, where I got a bunch of housewares stuff and some cleaning supplies. Finally to Cub Foods so I could stock my section of the pantry. I think I have everything I need to start cooking like I mean it again.

I miss Paul a lot. He's in Minneapolis now. We still talk . . . a lot. Today we had three separate phone conversations. I don't know how well he's dealing with being away from home yet. There's an adjustment period for everyone. I'm sure he'll be fine after a couple weeks, though. He's strong and adaptable.

I hope I am, too.

School starts the day after tomorrow.