I’m
currently away from home, dog and house sitting for a friend –former co-worker
of sorts.
I
met Kathy probably about 10 years ago (!) when I was working for CUNA Mutual at
Postal Credit Union in North St. Paul. We’ve
kept in touch over the years –and I cat sat for her years ago and now just
recently have begun dog and house sitting for her.
The
timing was a little off, but I got paid a good amount to do this and I’m not
complaining….with just having moved into my apartment I’m ready to start really
living in it.
When
I did this for her back in December, it lit the fire of my desire to have my own
place. I had been thinking about it…but was afraid to make the move …to move.
What’s
great is that she has cable and I’ve been able to gorge myself on “House
Hunters” and “House Hunters International” …which today got me thinking about
the fact that having watched that show for years had me subconsciously prepared
to decide where I wanted to live next. What I thought was important, what I
wanted vs. needed, would settle for and wouldn’t compromise on all came from
having to think about how I live my life and want for it.
So
when I watch episodes and I see these people having to make choices and
compromises and still get what they want...I'm happy I didn't have to really make a lot of comprises because I picked a home with a lot of pros...my own laundry, a dishwasher, charm, space,
character and an elevator!
And
personality. It has so much personality.
What
I think is interesting (?) is that it's usually House Hunters International that typically show what I would want for
myself –flats and other beautiful small apartments in the city...cool little "flats" and other charming little apartments that it seems like you can only find in Europe. (Am I preparing myself for that eventual move
across the pond? Maybe...)
I’m
really looking forward to making my little place a home. Right now I’m feeling like I will be there for
a long time (because I won’t want to move again until I can afford movers,
professional movers. This move was so physically challenging and I never want
to go through that again.)
So
I love that it’s my place. My own
space. And I can’t wait to really add my personality to it. I’ve gotten a start
with finding those bar stools at Saver’s for super cheap. And those pillows!
And I’ve got Nita making pillows out of my concert t-shirts. And I’ve got some
great stuff to put up on the walls. Now just to find the perfect coffee table
or storage ottoman, a chair or two and maybe a bookshelf? I also need something
to put the TV on.
....but
yet, what I need to remember is that I don’t have to have it all “done” right
away. I can just take my time and only add things that I really love…not just
have stuff. I want to have a cool, funky, comfortable “nest”.
I know I
really made a good choice…even if it was an impulsive one. (Deciding to take it
after one look and taking no time to think about it.)
And
I’m so grateful for all the help I have gotten –from Ryan helping me with the
move to people at work giving me things…dishes, a blender, a TV w/built in VCR!
And just the overall support I’ve received from everyone.
Even
my mother has now been to see this place and she hasn’t been to one of my homes
for years. Nope, she never came over to Ryan’s, Jen’s or my apartment on Grand
Ave. I don’t even think she ever came to Grant St. Commons …or my apartment in
Uptown on Fremont. Or…where was I before that? Oh…with them! The night she came over I made us dinner
and it was nice to show her…how I live. What my life is about.
…
Work
is good…though I’ve been taking a lot of time off lately. I’ve totally been
taking advantage of PPT and vacation days. I’m a bit burned out and having paid
time off is fucking wonderful.
Next
month will be my 5 year anniversary and I’m eligible for 3 weeks of vacation!
How fucking sweet is that?
I’m
hoping by having this time off, to just relax, will keep me going…I can’t
afford to hate my job –I don’t want to go back to hating my job and dreading
work.
So
now I just need to think some more about life outside of work and outside of the apartment.
I’ve
got a new life, new home and now new hair. (I found a great color. A nice shade
of brown w/out the red or orange highlights. Though next time, I’m going to try
the light brown color. I think that will look more…natural.)
So
here I am. I’m not at home. I’m in somebody else’s home and it’s giving me a
chance to see what I think I might or might not want for mine.
I’m
feeling good and I’m so happy I finally decided to do it. I can’t wait to get
back to my place and start really living.
I’m
not so scared anymore.
