A Place Of My Own

The boy is twelve now, hardly in need of 24 hour supervision and able to do most of the chores that had been mine.  I started feeling rather useless, even though the family jumped up and down and insisted I was not!  There were also some minor personality issues. (I like sunshine and fresh air, they are vampires. I like to get 'er done, they procrastinate.)

Some folks seem to believe that I was kept in a deep dark dungeon and only let out to be a slave.  Looking at my history, there is a basis for this.  I have been known to stay in emotionally abusive relationships for far longer than needed, and even to defend the meanie.  But it is an insult to Josh and Chelle.  They treat me with more respect than most of the planet does.

I worried a lot about using my freeloading abilities to take more than I really needed, but several friends and family encouraged me to do it.  So I did.  I now have my own open window, sunshiny apartment with the help of those government programs for folks like me.  It's a nice little place and the only problem I've had is the smell of cigarette smoke.  Air fresheners are my friends.

I did have to leave Cleo behind, but she's happy at Josh and Chelle's.  Moving at the advanced age of seventeen might have been too much for her, anyway, and I do get to see her since I visit often.  I find myself talking to the Barbies.  I guess that's all right as long as they don't reply. 

Getting all my financial ducks in a row has been a little rough.  I'd saved the money for rent and deposits, big stuff like that, but the incidentals?  I had to buy a broom!  And a kitchen trash can!  Every time I turn around it, it seems like there's another small thing I need to buy.  Most of the big stuff is hand-me-downs - my family and friends are still offering me stuff.  

The conditions of my lease (IE limits on how long guests can stay) will protect me from being taken advantage of.  There's a reason Josh calls me The Big Sucker Lady...   So here I am, enjoying the sunshine and listening to Cat Stevens.  Maybe later I'll even open a window.