I'm here in LA, feet firmly planted in the sand, under a palm tree. It's been a hellish 5 days getting my life in order, but things are finally beginning to settle down.

My apartment was ready 2 days early, which let me move in on Saturday. But that was not without an episode. After making reservations to rent a truck in Venice so that I could pick up the couches I bought from my sis' friend, we got to Enterprise only to find out that the truck had been in an accident, and the replacement vehicle, a cargo van, had a rock thrown through the windsheild. So, we wound our way through Hollywood Hills with a very gay giant white minivan with 2 black leather couches sticking out the back. We made it to my new home in one piece, and then spent a few hellish hours in Ikea and the Target making the new abode livable. And here I am today... new TV, couches, kitchen table and several shiny new appliances to keep me happy for a while.

My car, or it's lack of an appearance, however, remains the biggest pain in the ass about the whole move - emotional turmoil nothwithstanding. The bastards at National Auto Transporter quoted me a delivery date of August 1, and after 12 harassing calls from me to their shitty customer service department, they told me today I can expect it on August 12. Can you say "breach of contract" shitheads? Yes, I think so. So now I am stuck driving a Ford Focus crapbox until my beloved BMW arrives.

My rental frig and cable come on Thursday -- and then I should be all set.

Tomorrow, my first day of school, I finally begin my new life - and I can't wait. I spent some time at the university yesterday, and when I got to see all the instruments and books I have to buy, my spirits were definitely lifted. It's going to be a long week (I begin at 7.30am tomorrow) ... but I am so ready for this.