The Girl in Apartment K has been feeling really great recently. She is on a real high. There are lots of things going wrong with her life, but she is not letting those things get her down. She is actually feeling special. Here are a few things that make The Girl in Apartment K smile a little bigger these days:
- Her family. Thanksgiving was this past week, giving The Girl in Apartment K lots of time to spend with her crazy funny family. Her younger brother came up form college and spent the majority of his time either with The Girl in Apartment K or in Apartment K, tweeting about Spike and sad TV shows. Her parents were absent from Thanksgiving this year, but her siblings gave her enough belly laughs to make up for it.
- Text conversations that last all day and turn into long talks at night. That is all there is to say about that.
- Her body. It may seem very conceited, but The Girl in Apartment K never really felt pretty before. Now that she can wear whatever she wants, there is a certain confidence there that never was. It feels good to be able to eat something and not be afraid of being judged for it. "Do you really want to eat that cookie?" Yep, she sure does.
- Spike. Lately he has been pulling out all the stops to make The Girl in Apartment giggle. Whether it's forcing her to pet him or finding her vibrator under a pillow, or getting out of his vest while she's at work. She can't help but laugh at him.
- Breakfast. It is the most important meal of the day and The Girl in Apartment K eats it at least 10 meals a week. Egg whites, fried potatoes, waffles, Fiber Plus cereals, fresh fruit, turkey bacon, oatmeal, peanut butter toast. The variety is amazing. (As is the flavor.)
- The idea that it can only get better. The Girl in Apartment K is making strides toward the future she wants. She is making big moves. At least once a day, she reminds herself that it won't be like this forever. Someday, she will have a career, a family, and love. Someday.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Silver Lining
The Girl in Apartment K does not have many good memories of her short marriage to her first husband. However, there a some good things that came out of the awful ordeal.
- Her wedding quilt. Made by her grandmother, the quilt is red, white and blue and was meant to bring the couple years of happiness. While it is not used by the both of them, it is still a treasured gift that The Girl in Apartment K will use for the rest of her life.
- Spike. He was adopted by the couple just a few months after they became man and wife. Looking back, he was probably supposed to be a filler for the unseen hole in their wedded bliss.
- A shorter, easier to say last name. Growing up with 12 letters in your surname is tough for any kid. Knocking it down to 8 is not the greatest, but it's a step.
- The entire seasons of Friends and Will, Sex and the City, and Will & Grace. Granted, she probably would have purchased all of these classics on her own, but he did contribute to her laughter library.
- The realization that marriage is not always the way to go. Some relationships are better off ending.
- Her green snow shovel. There's a blade at the end. It cuts right thru ice. The Girl in Apartment K does not like working outdoors, but the green shovel makes it a little bit more bearable.
- The knowledge that once a person lies to you, they will continue to lie to you as long as you let them. You can only give someone the benefit of the doubt for so many years. Ten years is too many.
- Her beige couch. A corner sectional, it came with maroon throw pillows. Although it was only used for TV watch and game play during their marriage, in Apartment K, it is seeing a different kind of fun.
- Recipes. Her former mother-in-law is a great cook. The Girl in Apartment K made sure to collect the recipes of all of her favorite meals. Meatbread, fried chicken, slush. The Girl in Apartment K will take great pleasure cooking all of these dishes for a different man.
- The knowledge that she had been eating the wrong eggs for all these years. (Note: the words "eggs" and "eating" have been changed form the real words to keep this a bit clean.) She used to HATE HATE HATE eating her husband's eggs. Since finding new eggs, she has realized it was just HIS eggs that were no good. Other men have perfectly fine eggs that The Girl in Apartment K actually enjoys eating.
- Her gym membership. A two-year membership, he bought it for her while he was "trying to make things work." She never used it much while they were married. I think she knew it wouldn't help her marriage to slim down. However, after she moved out, she decided to get his moneys worth. Twice a week, The Girl in Apartment K would work her ass off, literally. From a size 14 to a size 5, The Girl in Apartment K has lost 50 pounds since starting the divorce process. She has gotten rid of her acid reflux and gained pounds self-confidence.
Everyday, The Girl in Apartment K finds great reasons not to be in her previous relationship. She thanks God for the knowledge she has gained and the strength she has now.
- Her wedding quilt. Made by her grandmother, the quilt is red, white and blue and was meant to bring the couple years of happiness. While it is not used by the both of them, it is still a treasured gift that The Girl in Apartment K will use for the rest of her life.
- Spike. He was adopted by the couple just a few months after they became man and wife. Looking back, he was probably supposed to be a filler for the unseen hole in their wedded bliss.
- A shorter, easier to say last name. Growing up with 12 letters in your surname is tough for any kid. Knocking it down to 8 is not the greatest, but it's a step.
- The entire seasons of Friends and Will, Sex and the City, and Will & Grace. Granted, she probably would have purchased all of these classics on her own, but he did contribute to her laughter library.
- The realization that marriage is not always the way to go. Some relationships are better off ending.
- Her green snow shovel. There's a blade at the end. It cuts right thru ice. The Girl in Apartment K does not like working outdoors, but the green shovel makes it a little bit more bearable.
- The knowledge that once a person lies to you, they will continue to lie to you as long as you let them. You can only give someone the benefit of the doubt for so many years. Ten years is too many.
- Her beige couch. A corner sectional, it came with maroon throw pillows. Although it was only used for TV watch and game play during their marriage, in Apartment K, it is seeing a different kind of fun.
- Recipes. Her former mother-in-law is a great cook. The Girl in Apartment K made sure to collect the recipes of all of her favorite meals. Meatbread, fried chicken, slush. The Girl in Apartment K will take great pleasure cooking all of these dishes for a different man.
- The knowledge that she had been eating the wrong eggs for all these years. (Note: the words "eggs" and "eating" have been changed form the real words to keep this a bit clean.) She used to HATE HATE HATE eating her husband's eggs. Since finding new eggs, she has realized it was just HIS eggs that were no good. Other men have perfectly fine eggs that The Girl in Apartment K actually enjoys eating.
- Her gym membership. A two-year membership, he bought it for her while he was "trying to make things work." She never used it much while they were married. I think she knew it wouldn't help her marriage to slim down. However, after she moved out, she decided to get his moneys worth. Twice a week, The Girl in Apartment K would work her ass off, literally. From a size 14 to a size 5, The Girl in Apartment K has lost 50 pounds since starting the divorce process. She has gotten rid of her acid reflux and gained pounds self-confidence.
Everyday, The Girl in Apartment K finds great reasons not to be in her previous relationship. She thanks God for the knowledge she has gained and the strength she has now.
Monday, November 15, 2010
The Sweet Taste of Grandma's House
The Girl in Apartment K has never had a fondness for coffee drinks. Coffee is an old person drink. She is not old enough for coffee. She would much rather have an ice cold Diet Mountain Dew over a moca, latte, light foam, blah blah blah. Cafes always seem so uppity. But recently, The Girl in Apartment K took a trip to Starbucks, a first for her. It was so nice. She asked the barista to make her something that did not taste like coffee. What he gave her was so much more than just a salted carmel hot chocolate.
The instant it hit her tongue, the taste took her to a special place, her grandma's house. Grandma Marla loves the scent of vanilla and uses it in her house a lot. It was the single shot of vanilla in her drink that made The Girl in Apartment K smile and think of her favorite person.
Because she doesn't get to see her grandmother very often, she cherishes every visit. She has lived with her grandparents for a few summers here and there as a kid or while doing her internship in Wisconsin. She would move back. Grandma has already offered to let her stay forever. Maybe someday she'll take her up on that.
The instant it hit her tongue, the taste took her to a special place, her grandma's house. Grandma Marla loves the scent of vanilla and uses it in her house a lot. It was the single shot of vanilla in her drink that made The Girl in Apartment K smile and think of her favorite person.
Because she doesn't get to see her grandmother very often, she cherishes every visit. She has lived with her grandparents for a few summers here and there as a kid or while doing her internship in Wisconsin. She would move back. Grandma has already offered to let her stay forever. Maybe someday she'll take her up on that.
Monday, November 8, 2010
I'm Just Movin'
When The Girl in Apartment K was in high school, she was in a production of the Working: The Musical. She got to sing one of the best songs in the show from the point of view of a cashier in a grocery store. It is a song about not staying still and loving what you do called Just Movin'. It is still one of her favorite songs to this day. No matter how tired, sore, or troubled the cashier gets, she loves her job. "When I'm on vacation, it's fine for maybe one or two days. But, I look forward to coming to work. I love it something terrible!"
The Girl in Apartment K wants that. She wants to love her job so much that nothing could keep her from it. Recently she has started movin' in the right direction. At the beginning of the summer, The Girl in Apartment K will be no more. She will be The Girl That Lives With Her Parents. That is what she has to do to move onto her future. By moving back home, she will save at least $5,000 in rent. This will allow her enough fundage to go back to school, even part time.
The Girl in Apartment K is not sad about the move. She is actually thrilled. Not only will she be able to save some money, but she will be able to pay off her current expenses faster too. Her SUV will be hers a hell of a lot faster if she can make a payment every paycheck, rather than every month. She will also get to spend time with her parents, who she secretly adores. Walks with her dad. Glee with her mom. Spike will have a big backyard to play in as well as two other dogs to tromp around with. There will be a pool for late night summer dips and workout equipment to keep her on track.
Apartment K will always be a special place for her. It's where she first cooked eggs. It's where she first learned that she is awesome without a man telling her so. It's where she melted a plastic lid to a burner in an act of shear blondness. It's where she fell for the most unexpected person. It's where she became a grown up. It's where she cried in pain wanting to spoon her gallbladder out. It's where she lost weight and found herself. No, The Girl in Apartment K might be getting a new address, but she's Just Movin'. She's not going anywhere she doesn't need to be.
The Girl in Apartment K wants that. She wants to love her job so much that nothing could keep her from it. Recently she has started movin' in the right direction. At the beginning of the summer, The Girl in Apartment K will be no more. She will be The Girl That Lives With Her Parents. That is what she has to do to move onto her future. By moving back home, she will save at least $5,000 in rent. This will allow her enough fundage to go back to school, even part time.
The Girl in Apartment K is not sad about the move. She is actually thrilled. Not only will she be able to save some money, but she will be able to pay off her current expenses faster too. Her SUV will be hers a hell of a lot faster if she can make a payment every paycheck, rather than every month. She will also get to spend time with her parents, who she secretly adores. Walks with her dad. Glee with her mom. Spike will have a big backyard to play in as well as two other dogs to tromp around with. There will be a pool for late night summer dips and workout equipment to keep her on track.
Apartment K will always be a special place for her. It's where she first cooked eggs. It's where she first learned that she is awesome without a man telling her so. It's where she melted a plastic lid to a burner in an act of shear blondness. It's where she fell for the most unexpected person. It's where she became a grown up. It's where she cried in pain wanting to spoon her gallbladder out. It's where she lost weight and found herself. No, The Girl in Apartment K might be getting a new address, but she's Just Movin'. She's not going anywhere she doesn't need to be.
Friday, November 5, 2010
Come Out Come Out Wherever You Are...
The Girl in Apartment K is trying to get back out there. She hasn't really dated. EVER. Her first husband was with her from the beginning. Age 16 - 25. Those are the biggest dating years and she missed out. Well, now is the time to make up for that. Since her separation (and later divorce) she has dated 3 guys.
1. Met him online. He looked cute(r than her first husband) in his pictures. He took her bowling, which was a good move, but he was boring. He also had lost a bunch of weight, which is great. However, his body looked half empty because of it. He was an only child which added to his boringness.
2. Her sister made the hookup. He was her sister's best friend's brother. Went to dinner twice. Not as boring as 1, but there was not a spark. He was also very chatty, just not to The Girl in Apartment K. Everything discussed on their dates was mentioned to his sister, who would mention it to her best friend, who would bring it up with The Girl in Apartment K. Not cool. Although she missed dating in high school, she doesn't want to catch up the gossip now. If she wanted her sister to know these things, she would just hang out with her sister and cut the middle man out of it. Her sister is way more fun anyway. During these dinners, he also kept checking his phone. What are you doing buddy? The Girl in Apartment K was taken aback by this. Isn't getting to know her supposed to be the focus?
3. The Girl in Apartment K also dated a family friend. He was/is pretty much awesome. One problem (so far.) He lives 1000 miles away. Sometimes it doesn't seem that way, though. They talk for hours. Hours. She never talked to her husband for hours. Every visit is special. Soaking in his presence. Loathing the day ending.
But he is far away. There are no plans for location changes on either end. It is not fair to be in a "relationship." So, she is going to start dating. Here is a list of qualities The Girl in Apartment K is looking for in a man:
- loyal, but not like a dog, she already has Spike
- honest, she has been lied to for a decade, give her a break
- liberal, she is learning from her mistakes, it is not easy to love someone who hates your views
- good looking, this may seem shallow, but it's human nature
- responsible, she already married/divorced a dead beat, no more
- fun, enough said
- laid back, sometimes just lounging in Apartment K is enough
- family oriented, if the nieces don't like you, you're toast
- supportive, if she has a bad day at work, hold her, don't take her boss' side
If you know someone who fits these criteria, let The Girl in Apartment K know. She could use the help right about now. Let's make 26 the Year of The Girl in Apartment K.
1. Met him online. He looked cute(r than her first husband) in his pictures. He took her bowling, which was a good move, but he was boring. He also had lost a bunch of weight, which is great. However, his body looked half empty because of it. He was an only child which added to his boringness.
2. Her sister made the hookup. He was her sister's best friend's brother. Went to dinner twice. Not as boring as 1, but there was not a spark. He was also very chatty, just not to The Girl in Apartment K. Everything discussed on their dates was mentioned to his sister, who would mention it to her best friend, who would bring it up with The Girl in Apartment K. Not cool. Although she missed dating in high school, she doesn't want to catch up the gossip now. If she wanted her sister to know these things, she would just hang out with her sister and cut the middle man out of it. Her sister is way more fun anyway. During these dinners, he also kept checking his phone. What are you doing buddy? The Girl in Apartment K was taken aback by this. Isn't getting to know her supposed to be the focus?
3. The Girl in Apartment K also dated a family friend. He was/is pretty much awesome. One problem (so far.) He lives 1000 miles away. Sometimes it doesn't seem that way, though. They talk for hours. Hours. She never talked to her husband for hours. Every visit is special. Soaking in his presence. Loathing the day ending.
But he is far away. There are no plans for location changes on either end. It is not fair to be in a "relationship." So, she is going to start dating. Here is a list of qualities The Girl in Apartment K is looking for in a man:
- loyal, but not like a dog, she already has Spike
- honest, she has been lied to for a decade, give her a break
- liberal, she is learning from her mistakes, it is not easy to love someone who hates your views
- good looking, this may seem shallow, but it's human nature
- responsible, she already married/divorced a dead beat, no more
- fun, enough said
- laid back, sometimes just lounging in Apartment K is enough
- family oriented, if the nieces don't like you, you're toast
- supportive, if she has a bad day at work, hold her, don't take her boss' side
If you know someone who fits these criteria, let The Girl in Apartment K know. She could use the help right about now. Let's make 26 the Year of The Girl in Apartment K.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Spike
The Girl in Apartment K has a dog named Spike. A Miniature Pincer mix/asshole mix, he is very high strung. Spike makes her feel special without even trying. No matter how bad her day has gone, The Girl in Apartment K can always depend on Spike to make her smile. It could be his soft snores, his warm cuddles, or even his audible farts. He is always good for a laugh.
Spike is the product of divorce. The Girl in Apartment K and her first husband rescued him during the first year of marriage. Because she doesn't know what kind of life Spike had before she found him, The Girl in Apartment K is always trying to give him everything. She wants him to know the good life, even if she doesn't.
The Girl in Apartment K has a tendency to treat Spike like he's her baby. He has clothes, which he loves to where. No. Really. He sometimes sleeps in bed with The Girl in Apartment K. Under the covers. She tries to be tough. He starts on the floor every night, but every morning, she wakes to him pressed against her leg. Little heat steeler.
Spike is the product of divorce. The Girl in Apartment K and her first husband rescued him during the first year of marriage. Because she doesn't know what kind of life Spike had before she found him, The Girl in Apartment K is always trying to give him everything. She wants him to know the good life, even if she doesn't.
The Girl in Apartment K has a tendency to treat Spike like he's her baby. He has clothes, which he loves to where. No. Really. He sometimes sleeps in bed with The Girl in Apartment K. Under the covers. She tries to be tough. He starts on the floor every night, but every morning, she wakes to him pressed against her leg. Little heat steeler.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Happy, But Why?
The Girl in Apartment K does not have a whole lot going for her... by normal standards. She is divorced. She has a house going into foreclosure. Her credit is shit. She hates her job. Medical bills and her gas guzzling SUV eat her paycheck away. She has a degree that no one in the workforce wants to utilize. Despite all of these downers in her life, The Girl in Apartment K is happy.
The Girl in Apartment K should be miserable, but she's not. She smiles more now than she ever did before. She has accomplished so much on one year. Gained so much strength. In the past year, The Girl in Apartment K has moved in with her parents, flown by herself, ran thru a major airport alone, filed for divorce, moved into her very own place (appropriately Apartment K), had sex on the beach, lost 40 pounds, made big life goals, fell in love, learned from her mistakes, and eaten her first Big Mac. She is not stopping there. Big things are destined for her.
The Girl in Apartment K has lived most of her life as an "us/we." "Come see US in the fall." "WE are so happy for you." For the first time in her life she is learning to be a me/I. It is not easy, but she has help. She has her friends, although they are busy with their own lives. Her family, who would be right at home in a mental institution or on a TV sitcom. Her dog, who is an selfish asshole who only thinks of himself. Her "good friend," who fixed her when she was broken into a million little pieces with his warm smile and kind words (from the other side of the world).
The Girl in Apartment K is trying hard to be a ME that people want to be around. Here's hoping this helps.
The Girl in Apartment K should be miserable, but she's not. She smiles more now than she ever did before. She has accomplished so much on one year. Gained so much strength. In the past year, The Girl in Apartment K has moved in with her parents, flown by herself, ran thru a major airport alone, filed for divorce, moved into her very own place (appropriately Apartment K), had sex on the beach, lost 40 pounds, made big life goals, fell in love, learned from her mistakes, and eaten her first Big Mac. She is not stopping there. Big things are destined for her.
The Girl in Apartment K has lived most of her life as an "us/we." "Come see US in the fall." "WE are so happy for you." For the first time in her life she is learning to be a me/I. It is not easy, but she has help. She has her friends, although they are busy with their own lives. Her family, who would be right at home in a mental institution or on a TV sitcom. Her dog, who is an selfish asshole who only thinks of himself. Her "good friend," who fixed her when she was broken into a million little pieces with his warm smile and kind words (from the other side of the world).
The Girl in Apartment K is trying hard to be a ME that people want to be around. Here's hoping this helps.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)