I've received a flurry of questions regarding the new digs - here's the quick summary:

-It's a condo - an ownership unit, not a rental - and yes, I still live w/ mom.

-2nd floor, two shared walls, and seemingly quiet neighbors so far. There's a "steakhouse" (bar) just over the wall, though (Shooters, if you're local) that has a lively patio until 2am. I've heard some spectacularly horrible drunken karaoke, a few verbal fights, and lots of drunks staggering to their cars, saying loud goodnights. Luckily, my computer's fan provides just the right amount of white noise to block out Shooters.

-The cat settled in almost immediately and waved a haughty paw granting permission for the humans to share her abode.

-The location is perfect for me. I'm as close as ever to the Rillito bike path, so my fitness routine, should I ever get back to it, shouldn't skip a beat. Morning commute is about the same, but a tad more pleasant.

-It's "cozy", "humble", "small", and all those other words one might associate w/ a first home.

-I am 100% beyond exhausted right now, but the move was almost entirely stress-free. Good planning and an amazingly helpful/resourceful/patient boyfriend made a world of difference. There isn't enough mocha caramel latte ice cream in the world to repay him for all his help :)

So, yeah, while I'm now going to be writing a monthly mortgage check, I will no longer be writing a monthly rent check, and wow, that feels good.

I'll post a photo tour on flickr once the dust settles. Due to privacy issues (ie: I don't need the public seeing the contents of my home), it'll be friend locked. Make sure we're friended on flickr if you want in :)

Coming soon: Next week I'm off to Prescott, AZ for the annual Statewide Preservation Partnerships conference. One of this year's highlights is a day trip to Arcosanti and a keynote speech by the founder, Paolo Soleri. http://www.arcosanti.org/ (detailed information - here). I've never been to Prescott or Arcosanti, so I'm really looking forward to this. Hopefully there will be a few nice photo ops!