An Extended Version of the Previous Post

Where to begin? :) I know I've only been doing these quick fly-by posts lately & I hate it. I wish I could write more. I could, but I'm just so tired! *yawns*

Work has been insane. We're so far ahead of schedule it's ridiculous. Not only that, but we only have a skeleton crew & we're still kicking butt. I can only imagine what it will be like when we're fully established. *sigh*

I did get my apartment. I put in my application last Sunday and actually found out Monday morning. I checked my credit report before I applied, just to see where I was. Back when the fiasco of living with my pseudo friend (yeah, right) fell apart, I was in severe, dire financial straights. It was so bad that I was afraid I'd never see the light at the end of the tunnel.

But, with a lot of hard work and such, I've built up my credit to the point where I'm in very good standing. I'm so proud of myself. It's been a horrible struggle. I've had to make a lot of sacrifices. I had to live with my parents, for pity's sake! Don't get me wrong, I love them, but I'm almost 35 and I want to live my OWN life, thankyouverymuch.

I knew this move to Michigan was going to be a lifesaver for me. I didn't realize just how much until we actually got back here. I don't even think of the Pacific Northwest as home anymore, because it's not.

Yes, I have a lot of wonderful memories back there...but I also have a lot of very negative ones. Moving to Michigan was the chance for me to start afresh. The chance to start all over again in a place where not a single soul knows me. Not very many people get that opportunity.

The cost of living back here is SO much cheaper than it was in Oregon. The income tax is almost nil and so when I get paid, I'm actually getting PAID. :) Yay me! lol

There's just so much going on, it's crazy. My mom actually just came into my room a few minutes ago, set a box down on the floor and said "happy housewarming." She bought me a vacuum cleaner! How sweet is she? It's a really nice Hoover too, which is awesome. Now I don't have to try to figure that into my budget. :)

The only big thing I need now is a dining room set. I only have a small alcove where I can set one up. I found a bistro-style set I really liked at KMart. It's $199 and they have layaway there. Hmm...well, I guess we'll see what happens.

I can paint in my apartment, so I've been contemplating paints and such. It's very exciting for me. It's my first chance to make a place completely, 100% mine; no commentary or anything from anyone. I'm lucky that my previous job was in textiles, because I have most of my decorative pillows & throws already. *sigh* It's a dream come true.

I promise to take before & after pictures for y'all. I'm moving in two weeks from today, people!!! EEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!