Suddenly *Not So* Single Journey

My first giveaway!

Monday, February 22nd, 2010

Bare Escentuals new campaign has women rethinking going bare in public.  And right now they are in the middle of a weekly contest.

Go to RethinkWhatMatters to enter.  It’s simple.  Answer five thought provoking, conversation stimulating questions on a given topic.  This week the topic of conversation is ”Rethink finding yourself.”  You could win a Smokey Eye Kit.  (And we all know that smokey eyes are all the rage!)

And when you’re done there come back and enter my giveaway…

I’m so very excited!  And you should be, too.  See, Bare Escentuals gave me a free lip gloss…wait for it…and one to give away to a lucky reader!

By now, you should know I’m a big fan of contests and giveaways.  And I’ve always wanted to host one.  It makes me feel so big!  The best part is, I’m a HUGE fan of lip gloss.  I don’t wear much makeup.  (Seriously, what beauty regimen?)  And yet I love my mineral makeup.

Bare Escentuals is a big believer in going bare…and so am I.  So I’m really excited about this lip gloss.  First, it’s 100% natural…or as I like to think of it…Rachel Approved.  I went to the link they gave me, telling me all about the lip gloss and discovered that they use “natural oils, butters, flower extracts and mineral colorants.”  And, just as important…the result is a buttery texture for supple lips and optimal color.   Oh, and it’s vanilla scented!

So, if you are interested in winning what promises to be my new favorite lip gloss, here’s what you have to do…

1. Leave a comment on my blog telling me what you are doing about finding yourself.  (Hey, I’m on a journey of self-discovery and self-improvement, right?)

Oh, and would you look at that?  That’s it!  I like simple contests.  However…if you are on Twitter…I’d love it if you’d take a moment to follow me @thenicknick.

The contest will close on Friday, February 26th at midnight, EST.  The winner will be selected by Random.org.  I’ll notify you by email, so be watching!  I have to send in your color selection on Sunday, February 28th.

Can’t wait to read your comments!  And good luck to all of you.

PS. Feel free to spread the word.  Re-tweet away!  Facebook share.  However you share news…get on it!

Posted in Big News!!!! | 15 Comments »

One goal completed!

Monday, January 18th, 2010

If you would like to refer back to my goals for the year…I know I would…I was determined to finish writing my ebook.  It was a brainstorm that came to me one evening after I moved into the apartment.  And in all honesty, if I was still with Sam and living with Sam, it probably never would have happened.  Funny how things work, huh?

Well, I was trying to find ways to make some extra money, still wanting to save the house, still wanting my life there back.  After months of struggling to figure out a way to generate some extra money that was completely legit and honorable, I realized that I have a very…limited…skill set.  I mean my friend, Laura, can bake and throw together these amazing jar creations.  And when Ed wants more money he always manages to find new lawn accounts.  And even Jay is hopping on the self-employment band wagon.

But what can I do?  All I know is that words are my friend.  It’s the one area of my life that I am truly disciplined in.  I have very little trouble spending a day in front of a computer, typing away on a topic…mostly.  I love to write.  And so, I tried to find a way to translate that into extra income.  The reality is that ebooks and self-publishing may be the way forward for me while I still work diligently at getting my novels published.

I like the concept behind the ebook I opted to write.  Write about what you know.  Hmmm.  Write about a topic that will help people, solve a problem.  Write about something that people will spend money on.  (Come on, I had to say it.)  And we all know what those topics are.  We all know the areas of people’s lives that they want to improve.

Clearly, I know nothing about making money, so even though that is the number one motivator, I will not be tackling that subject.  And sooo many people need help with dieting.  I am one of them, which is why I can’t write about that…yet…in good conscience.  What does that leave?  Dating.  Man, I can write an ad for Craigslist and find tons of people in no time.

Yup.  That’s what I went with.  There are seven chapters devoted to helping people date using Craigslist.  And believe me, based on the ads I’ve seen, people need this book.  And from the stories I’ve heard, people need this book.  Even I need this book.

See, it made me really think about dating and every aspect of it.  And so, rather than feeling all hypocritical and being all ‘do as I say, not as I do,’ I’m going to begin by taking my own advice.  I’m starting from scratch on this.  I’m starting at the beginning and doing everything to get me ready to date.  We all know that I did a little backslide with Sam.  Now I’m in recovery mode once more.  I’m resilient.  And I’m feeling really good.  I’m going to do it right this time, take my own advice, not get lazy, not skip any steps.  And I’m looking forward to the results.

So, here it is: How to Find THE ONE for Free: The Ultimate Guide to Craigslist Personals.  I spent a lot of time on it.  I did a lot of research.  Lots of emailing, and texting, and bad dates, and elimidates, and even a not a date went into it.  I made plenty of mistakes so that others wouldn’t have to.  I learned a lot about myself and in it I encourage everyone to do the same.  I look at this as the first step to a new me, a new life.  It feels big…and good.  And if I figure out this whole marketing and self-promotion thing then I may write plenty more.

I have a goal.  I want to be able to quit my job and write full-time.  And even if this isn’t some huge success, the fact that I achieved a goal in the time I allotted means something.  It’s a step in the right direction.  And that’s why I gave myself a gold star.

Quick Karma:

• affirm all the good things about yourself

Posted in Big News!!!! | 10 Comments »

May I have your attention, please?

Friday, December 11th, 2009

*Ahem*  Is this thing on?

I have an announcement to make.  Some of you may have already heard…since my mother inadvertently outed me.  (She feels really bad about it, by the way.  So, let’s not mention it…)

Last weekend, I was offered the opportunity to contribute to another blog.  So, in addition to the crazy ramblings I post here, you can now also read me periodically here: Deep South Moms.  They posted my bio a few days ago.

So, yeah, there’s a picture of me.  It’s, apparently, not flattering.  (Mystery Man has spoken.  Of course, some of you may think of him as Mr. Tiffany’s of my not-a-date.)  And in answer to the question some of you are pondering, or even muttering to yourselves if you’ve been reading me a while, no, I don’t think I ever will get tired of linking to that post.  It was an amazing night…and not because of the jewelry.  See, that’s the post that is on the far end of the good side of the spectrum, while this one (with the picture of Sam and the cleansing ritual) is at the opposite end.  I’ll never tire of that one either, though for completely different reasons.  Ahhh.

At some point in time, if I’m ever having a goddess day, or feel especially shiny and pretty, or all loopy on cold medicine…I’ll take a new picture and change that one.  I can’t explain.  Whatever I have doesn’t seem to translate well on camera…digital or film.  I’m best in person…and even then you may be taking your chances.  (This is why I try to stress to Rachel the importance of having a nice personality.)

Well, I am dying to know what you think of the post on the other blog.  Please leave feedback…anywhere you want.  It’s a different experience having an editor.  Here, I can be all wild and crazy, blather on incessantly about everything and nothing.  Here, I have no one to make suggestions or keep me from making a horrific mistake.  There’s no training wheels, I simply rely on my gut.  So far, so good, I guess.  It seems that I haven’t really offended anyone or alienated large groups of people.  Everyone has been really kind.

Here’s my first post.  I don’t think it is a vast departure from what I write here, maybe a little more polished, a little more professional, but I think it still sounds like me.  (You know, single mom muddling through as best she can while exposing her soft underbelly to the world.)  And while it is a post that is original for Deep South Moms, the real me will still be here…all wild and crazy, all uncensored and real.

Have a really special Friday, everyone!  Pick an amazing soundtrack to get yourself through the day.

Posted in Big News!!!! | 7 Comments »

So happy, I had to share it with you…

Sunday, November 8th, 2009

Sometimes things just happen that let you know you’re doing okay…that you are finding success, that you are making an impression.  For me in my blogging life, it has come in the form of recognition from those mom bloggers that I so admire.  The first time Rachel Sarah of Single Mom Seeking sent me an email about a response I had left to one of her posts…well, you would have thought I’d won the lottery.  I mean, wow, she knew I was here!  And she has emailed several times since…Yay!  Again, when I heard from Giyen of Bacon is My Enemy and she started following me on Twitter…well, I thought I could almost hear a choir of angels in the background.  Every once in a while…Mir from Woulda Coulda Shoulda will drop me a quick email.  (She lives one state over…and it is my secret hope that one day we cross paths because she makes me laugh and her Love Thursday posts are good for my soul.)

Well, recently, I received the BEST compliment ever.  Rachel Sarah contacted me to let me know that she loved the comment I had left on her blog about what to say when someone tells you they are getting divorced.  And she wanted to know if she could use it for a post she was working on for another site, MomLogic.  Hmmm.  Let me think on that.  So, one of my favorite bloggers wants to give me a little credit and a link?  Win win! 

The post was published yesterday.  And I was so honored to be included I had to share it with all of you.  I feel special.  I have that new woman smell, all full of confidence and happiness and hope.  (It’s a good smell, huh?) 

So if you get a moment, drop by and read the post: I’m Getting Divorced.  Let me know what you think.  It’s me alright, all real, uncensored, completely unapologetic.  Hope you like it.

Posted in Big News!!!! | No Comments »

Finally success…

Sunday, October 25th, 2009

    Here it is…our new home, as of Saturday.  That’s right.  We’ll be moving on Halloween, two short days after Rachel has her tonsils and adnoids removed.  At least she’ll get to convalesce at the new apartment.  I know, it’s not ideal, but neither was the alternative. 

See, when I told you that Jennie and I planned to be all business, I wasn’t kidding.  We left the hotel by 8:30am, then drove to my office.  I had inadvertantly taken the office phone with me when I left in a rush on Friday.  And Michael wanted to meet Jennie.  His reaction…

Michael: Wow, when Nicole said that you two looked alike, she wasn’t kidding. 

And then we drove to Home Depot where Jennie bought me boxes and packing tape since we couldn’t get any for free from the mall. Next was a stop at PetSmart so that the babbit could have a non-leaking water bottle.  Way more effective than the current method of filling the bottle daily.  So, it was purchase a new water bottle or sign the babbit up for swimming lessons.

Then we drove to Indian Trail to see the house that was well within my price range but far from my office, the kids’ schools, and all of our friends.  The house was amazing, all 4000 square feet of it.  And we would have had our choice of bedrooms.  And the entire third floor was devoted to entertainment with the pool table, foosball table, air hockey, and home theater.  But it didn’t feel right.

me: I don’t think it’s right.  I want to be on my own, if I can.

Jennie: I understand.  The year I spent on my own was great. 

me: I just want to figure out what I like.  I don’t even know anymore.  I’m so used to pleasing everyone else. 

Jennie: Yeah, and there’s something to be said for the stability you provide for the kids on your own.

So, we returned to Charlotte and began the apartment hunt in earnest.  It wasn’t easy.  Money and credit were a huge factor.  And I was so sad.  I cried at the first place…twice.  I just couldn’t see myself living there.  I couldn’t see the kids being happy there.  And no matter how much I kept chanting in my head that I was going to make it work, I couldn’t.

By now it was lunch time.  And I had already spoken to Sam twice.  He wanted to double check to make sure that he could take the kids’ bed apart, that they weren’t going to be staying over there and need them.  Given how things were left Friday, that was a non-issue.  As far as I was concerned, we were kicked out.  He had said it.  And he hadn’t relented.  The second time, I had called him, hoping for some insight into the apartment search. 

We decided to regroup over lunch.  Panera had wi-fi, so we went there.  I hadn’t planned on eating.  My stomach was in knots, and it’s hard to digest food that way.  After I tasted Jennie’s soup, however, it was impossible not to want to eat.  (I told you Jennie’s good for my soul.  If not for her, I’d have wasted away into nothingness…sort of.)  We found a few potential places and called.  I had a lot working against me in the apartment search. 

We decided to go to Waterford Square, right around the corner.  And Jennie was so awesome.  As always. 

Jennie: They look nice.  There’s little balconies.  They seem to be well maintained.

We had some disagreements about how to find the leasing office.  Every street in there seems to be named Waterford something.  You know I’m going to get lost.  And I began to wonder if trading my GPS for the camera was such a fair trade…but I know it was.  I can read a map.  And I need the camera to record my life for posterity.  I know you’ll be dying for pictures of the apartment, tales of the move.  If only I weren’t so stinking interesting…

The only leasing consultant on duty for a Saturday was busy working with someone else, so we waited and gave ourselves a self-guided tour.  There’s at least one pool.  (We were a little discombobulated…)  There’s racquet ball.  I don’t play, but now I could…I suppose.  And there’s pool.  And there’s a fitness center that I just kind of glanced at.  There’s a computer center.  They have laundry facilities on site…if mine ever die.  It’s a nice place.  And it’s all mine.

We went for a two bedroom two bathroom unit on the first floor.  I’m not going to be schlepping groceries up flights of stairs, or anything else for that matter.  I won’t need to store anything.  Somehow, I’ll make everything fit.  I’ll make it work.  That’s what I do. 

It will be the first time I’ve lived on my own.  I know, some of you are thinking that I’m not on my own because I have the kids.  Yes, but that I have two additional people dependent upon me doesn’t make me less on my own.  In fact, it rather ups the challenge.  If I fail, I’m failing them, too.  See, I went from living at home, to living at the dorm, to living in an apartment with J, to living in a house with J, to living with Sam.  And I’m 37.  (I don’t look it, but I am.)

It will be good.  I just have to focus on the good, let go of all the bad.  Sam is one of the things I’m letting go.  As soon as I’m officially moved out, he’s out of my life for good.  No, we will not be friends.  I know it pains him, but it has to be this way.  I know him and his habits too well after all this time.  Having him in my life would only cripple me.  And I need to be strong. 

The kids and I are bouncing around between friends for the next week.  I’m very organized.  I’m a different kind of homeless.  My cart is a flaming yellow Escape.  And our clothes are in laundry baskets and suitcases.  My purse has a little something for every possibility.  In a few minutes I plan to fish out one of the Earl Grey tea bags I gatewayed from the hotel and make a nice steaming sweet mug.   

I’ve learned my lesson.  I had always thought myself independent, that I could take on the world, that I didn’t need a man.  I guess I needed Sam a bit more than I’m comfortable admitting.  And I forgot to have a plan B.  He was my plan B.  From now on, I don’t make any plan Bs based on anyone but me.  I’m breathing easier today.  Nothing seems as impossible or sad.  I’m rich in friends and that’s what counts.

Posted in Big News!!!! | 5 Comments »

Unanswered prayers…

Friday, October 23rd, 2009

This has been such a tumultuous week, full of highs and lows.  And I’m really ready for it to level out, for it to hit cruising speed, for the seat belt sign to go off in the cabin, so that I know I no longer have to fear such a bumpy ride.  See, even as I write, Sam is out with his ex-girlfriend the surgically enhanced sometimes Maxim model for the fourth time in the past week and a half while I stay home and take care of his dog and clean his house, and try to hold it together.

My struggle to find good things to hold on to has truly been put to the test.  I have had some really good things happen.  For one, there was the laptop.  (Never understimate the power of a new toy to put a smile on your face.)  And then there was the call from Gladys at the corporate office, alerting me to the fact that an accounting error had been detected in my favor and she was cutting me a check for $300.  (Everyone knows that found money will put a smile on your face.)  And finally, there have been some amazingly thoughtful responses to my Craigslist ad.  The best part?  My friend, co-worker, and southern mama, Kelly convinced me to contact one of the respondants RIGHT NOW.

So I did.  I’m looking for a home, or at least a place for me and the kids to call home, shoot…feel at home.  I want some stability for all of us.  I want them to not have to give anything else up, since they’ve lost so much already.  Those are the dangers of divorce and breakups; the aftershocks. 

Well, I took Kelly’s advice.  And Rachel’s since we had spoken about it the night before.

me: Listen to this!  This guy has a 4000 square foot house that he is willing to share with us.

Rachel: How big is 4000 square feet?

me: Over twice the size of this one.

Rachel: We wouldn’t even have to see him if we didn’t want to!

And so, I broke down and called.  Now, please understand that I work the phone all day.  If there’s anything I have, it’s mad phone skills.  So you can imagine my surprise when I called and found myself stumbling over my words, the timing of my jokes off, and less than my normal charming confident self.  Grrr.

Still, it didn’t seem to bother him AT ALL.  He was very nice.  He laughed at my jokes anyway.  He wanted me to feel at home there.  Our rooms would be ours.  (It’s a five bedroom house.)  We could walk the place together and pick out what rooms I wanted.  And he even offered to paint before I came.  WOW.  That’s all I can say.  WOW.

Apparently, there is a nice deck out back, just a little 1600 foot addition.  And the third floor is the media room.  And there were other fancy rooms he mentioned.  And my mind was reeling so you’re just going to have to wait for the pictures.  Check back Sunday since I’ll be going to see the place on Saturday. 

Oh oh oh!  I forgot the best part.  It’s completely affordable.  I’ll be trading way up for less money, which is good since I’ve been living hand to mouth for far too long.  He’s not trying to get rich, but let’s face it, I will be jacking up his expenses.

Oh!  And I forgot another best part!  It’s a pool community, one of the pool communities that I once looked at and fell in love with.  There are two pools, one with water slides, and apparently that’s the one he lives across from.  And I say, if I’m going to nurse a broken heart, I might as well do it while sipping ‘ritas poolside. 

And suddenly the words on my cake come hurtling back at me.  I thought that was my worst day ever…the day of the Divorce Party that never was because of I break up I never wanted.  Instead, maybe goodbye is a second chance for me.  All I know for certain is that this guy may very well be an answer to all the prayers that people have been saying for me.  And I thank you for that. 

I’ve spent a lot of time praying that Sam would have a change of heart, that he’d want me to stay, that we’d spend forever together.  Now another song comes to mind.  God bless Garth Brooks.

Unanswered Prayers lyrics

Just the other night at a hometown football game
My wife and I ran into my old high school flame
And as I introduced them the past came back to me
And I couldn’t help but think of the way things used to be

She was the one that I’d wanted for all times
And each night I’d spend prayin’ that God would make her mine
And if he’d only grant me this wish I wished back then
I’d never ask for anything again

Sometimes I thank God for unanswered prayers
Remember when you’re talkin’ to the man upstairs
That just because he doesn’t answer doesn’t mean he don’t care
Some of God’s greatest gifts are unanswered prayers

She wasn’t quite the angel that I remembered in my dreams
And I could tell that time had changed me
In her eyes too it seemed
We tried to talk about the old days
There wasn’t much we could recall
I guess the Lord knows what he’s doin’ after all

And as she walked away and I looked at my wife
And then and there I thanked the good Lord
For the gifts in my life

Sometimes I thank God for unanswered prayers
Remember when you’re talkin’ to the man upstairs
That just because he may not answer doesn’t mean he don’t care
Some of God’s greatest gifts are unanswered prayers

Some of God’s greatest gifts are all too often unanswered…
Some of God’s greatest gifts are unanswered prayers

 

I’m seeing some light at the end of my tunnel.  The storm clouds over head seem to be breaking.  And for the first time in a very long time, I’m giggling.  My mother caught me when I called her with the news.  (And to her credit, she never once insinutated I might be crazy for wanting to live with a man I don’t know.  Of course, given that I’ve now twice lived with men I did know and how that didn’t work so much…) 

So, keep your fingers crossed for me, and throw some salt over your shoulder, and please keep those prayers coming.  Right now, whether they are being answered the way I want them to be or not, my life may just be back on course.

Posted in Big News!!!! | 5 Comments »

The first post NOT about my personal life in oh so long…

Thursday, October 22nd, 2009

See, I figured I’d give you a reason to read on.  I don’t play games.  I’ll cut to the chase.  And I’m very direct…or I am now anyway.

So, here it is.  I finally had one good thing happen.  It’s a biggy.  Ready?

My laptop arrived!  Yay!

See, back in August I entered a contest on Bacon is my Enemy where I had to write about how sending the kids back to school now is different from when I was in school…back in the Dark Ages.  Just kidding, it was the Renaissance.  I’m not that old!  The winner would receive a brand spanking new laptop from Acer.

Well, I’d love to tell you that when I heard from Giyen, mother of the blog, that I’d won because my post was so dad gum amazing that they couldn’t imagine anyone more deserving of said laptop, but alas, my win was a product of random chance and pure dumb luck.  And as low as I’ve been running on luck these days, I’ll take what I can get.  And I really needed this laptop.

So, I sent the required information to Giyen IMMEDIATELY.  And I waited.  I received some more information from Acer that I filled out at the beginning of October.  (By now I was tired of sitting by the mailbox every afternoon like a dejected dog.)  And FINALLY, yesterday, I received a text from Rachel telling me there was a surprise for me at home. 

I had just finished the kind of day when any surprise might just topple my house of cards, so I called to find out what manner of surprise I might expect upon my arrival.

me: What’s the surprise. 

(I know, you’re thinking there should be a question mark at the end, right?  But, no.  See, I spoke it with this really flat voice.  Rest assured, not a typo.)

Rachel: I’m not telling.  It’s a surprise.

me: Fine.  Is it from you?

(I’m secretly hoping that even though she was home sick, she somehow rallied to make me The Vegan Can Suck It Mousse.)

Rachel: No.  There’s a package here for you.

So, like the complete idiot I am, I started thinking that I hadn’t ordered anything and for the love of God, please don’t let some company have hijacked my bank account AGAIN.  Although the bank really might just begin to believe my assertion that I’m cursed.

Rachel: I think it’s your laptop.

me: Yay!

And I finally smiled.  Really smiled.  A relaxed smile.  It was about time that I was happy and smiling.  More me.

As soon as I made it home, Rachel looked at me and I knew we were going to joke around.

me: So what do  you think it is?

Rachel: Hmmm.  A big box of child support?

me: Nah.  I think it’s a place to live.

Rachel: Yay!  I’ve always wanted to live in a box!

We laughed.  Then I grabbed the scissors and began to open the package.  It was like those Russian nesting dolls.  Inside the box was another box.  And inside that box was a box.  And inside that box…the laptop.

Ooooh, to find the words to decribe it.  It’s light and stainless and SEXY.  And I feel sexy using it.  There is a place for my SD card.  (I was worried about that.)  And of course there are lots of USB ports.  And something about HDMI.  Yeah.  I don’t get that yet, but I will.  It’s beautiful and so much more than I could ever have hoped for.  The battery is supposed to last for eight hours.  I’ll let you know.  Mostly, I wanted to let you know that I’m happy.  It doesn’t take much. 

Just one good thing makes a huge difference.  (It also apparently makes me greedy.  I want more good things.  And more.)  The good things don’t have to be huge.  I’ll take a bunch of little good things.  Or maybe I just need to look more closely at my life to realize I already have good things…

No matter what, remember to be smart, be special, and be kind today.  It’ll be our own version of paying it forward.

Posted in Big News!!!! | 5 Comments »

Oh, Happy Day!

Friday, October 2nd, 2009

So, first of all, as you know, today is Happy Squatter Removal Day.  (Yay, me!)  I’m not sure how much removing will be done.  Suddenly, last night, they seemed interested in packing up.  Rachel was quick to report on her walk back from her friend Meredith’s house that the curtains were down and there was a bunch of people loading vehicles.

Know what I say to that?  It’s about stinking time!

The other night, they send both me and S texts apologizing.  And while it was a nice gesture, it would have meant a lot more if they hadn’t let it come to this, if they had moved out at the end of August before I had to spend the butt load of money I spent removing them, the numerous trips to court to file paperwork, the day in court, all the lost wages, wasted gas, and on and on…

So, no, that apology didn’t change how I feel about them.  I won’t be asking for a forwarding address to send them Christmas cards.  There won’t be any invitations to upcoming Bubble events.  (And there are always upcoming Bubble events.)  I’m just glad they’re gone.  Almost.  I’m meeting the sheriff at 11:45am, with my peeps.  S and Ed swear they will be there.  And any other neighbor who is able to take lunch around then has sworn to return to The Bubble for the occasion.

And…wait for it…Tyler called last night to announce that he has an offer on the house!  So, fingers crossed, the house may be sold, if the bank accepts the offer.  Rest assured, I’ll let you know.  (It’s not like I keep anything to myself these days, right?)

So, Happy Friday!  Enjoy it.  (I know I will.)

Posted in Big News!!!! | 3 Comments »

Check out the photo gallery…

Thursday, October 1st, 2009

Okay, so the sign isn’t entirely true, it just feels that way since S has my hands tied most of the time.  I have now graduated to the point where I can take and post pictures of him as long as they are from behind.  (Luckily, he looks good from behind.)

So, last night, I was thinking about my ‘Heart of the Home’ post from yesterday.  And I decided to take a picture of some of the rooms in the house that I wrote about.  (And some of the rooms that I didn’t.)

For example, those of you who have been reading for a while will want to see Rachel’s room, site of the famous caulk fight, that I personally coated in five separate coats of paint in order for it to be the teentastic room you see today.  And then there’s Keenan’s  room, that I painted while S and Ed visited with me.  One of my cats didn’t adjust to the move and attacked S, which ended up keeping him out of work for a few days and rendering one hand completely useless for longer than that.

I took a picture of our fire pit.  Yes, there is a stump in there.  Ed yanked it from the ground and figured it would burn.  Yeah, well, apparently dirt and roots don’t.  So for future reference, let me save you the trouble.  And all the sticks and twigs were piled there by me and Bishop as we cleaned the yard on Sunday.  Bishop would trot along side me with a stick in his mouth and bring it back to the fire pit.  He’s such a big helper.

All I know is that my family has been wondering a lot about where I’m living.  My move in with S was a rather unique situation.  See, he lives four houses down the road from my house.  And we have the same floor plan, but the houses are completely different in decor.  Don’t believe me?  Check out my house listing:

http://www.allentate.com/DesktopDefault.aspx?pageid=11&pagealias=ListingDetail&ListingID=1640827&Region=&ListingPosition=4&From=QuickSearch

Not sure if the link will work.  If not, MLS #888949 on allentate.com.

So, I promised pictures for my family.  I think they turned out okay.  Let me know what you think of the place.  It has inspired me to work on some remodeling stories for you.  There are always remodeling stories…ever notice that?  No project, no matter how well planned, has ever been completed without a story behind it.  And most of the ones over here…well, stories galore.

Can’t wait to share with you!

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