Oh Hey Mel, nice to meet you again...

Its weird living on my own again.
So quiet.
Especially without my dog Ripley and her jingling little tag.

But its nice having things that are my own.
Its nice doing the things I want to do, and getting to know myself again.
You suddenly realize how much you've put aside your needs for someone else.
Like standing in the middle of the grocery store, and comprehending that you can get whatever YOU want!
I learned I still love Capri-suns.
You are never too old for Capri-sun and all the probably non-healthy benefits.
I bought frou-frou meals to make just for me. What I want to eat.

I get to read a book without getting grief for not entertaining someone.

Uninterrupted bubble baths.

I like having the freedom to have my own phone, with a bill I pay, no one questions every single call I make on it.

Getting close to my family again. Bought tickets to see my sister on the border of California and Arizona in March.

Its like I'm reintroducing myself to ME.
"Oh hey, Mel, nice to meet you again. You've been gone for a long time."

...But I sure do miss that tag jingling.

\m/