January 6, 2010
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Couches
So here’s the thing…In April I moved into my own place. Years of a spouse’s alcoholism and broken promises and empty dreams finally became one day too many and so here I am. A new address, a new home. We’re all still adjusting, but we’re doing a decent job of it. It’s new territory but exciting and scary all at the same time.
I was careful when I left to take only what was mine – purchased or inherited or gifted. That meant that at least some furniture had to be purchased, including a couch. I love my new little place. It’s clean and neat, room enough for visiting children or friends. Even doing dishes is fun because it’s only my mess I’m cleaning. I have been able to put my favorite glass pieces along the window sill and the sun shines through the colors and makes me smile. But the couch has presented a problem.
I have bookshelves – imagine that! In fact I need more bookshelves. The problem this presents is that I’d rather have books and shelves to put ‘em on than a full sized, three-seat couch. So I bought a loveseat at my favorite used furniture/antique/secondhand store. I didn’t love the loveseat but it gets the job done….well kind of….
I love sleeping on the couch. I love reading and falling asleep with my book, or listening to a book on tape and falling asleep, or crocheting and listening and falling asleep and just staying where I am. With a full size couch this was never a problem. With a love seat it leads to cramped neck, crunched knees, and waking up at 3 a.m. Once my feet hit the floor the dogs believe it must be time to go outside and in this weather that involves coats and hats and boots and scarves and gloves and …. Once I’ve done all of that I might as well stay up because it seems silly to go back to sleep until the alarm goes off at 5, which after all that bundling and walking and unbundling is only 45 minutes away. So there I am at 4 a.m. folding laundry and writing and making coffee and wondering what in the name of Sweet Dreams I am doing awake. I have got to train myself to get in my bed at night.
It’s gonna be a long day.
And so it goes.
Comments (8)
…the neverending couch dilemma! I bought a loveseat several years ago. It has a great hassock. Unfortunately, I always put books on the hassock (currently has 4 books and today’s crossword puzzle waiting for me). Everytime someone comes over, I have to move that stack of books. Then, whoever sits on the couch and puts their feet up falls asleep – it’s really that comfortable! Oh, and I either need more bookshelves or I need to donate… (10 books checked out, 2 ready for pick-up, and another 8 on request from the library, not to mention the stacks and stacks I own)
A new beginning – I applaud you for taking steps to do what you needed to do – so many don’t make it to this point. May you enjoy all the wonderful things about your new home, your new life and those that are yet to come.
Change can be frightening and exciting all at the same time. Glad you are back with us here at Xanga. Looking forward to insight into new books. My grands need new reading material!
Good luck with your new start.
I know what you mean about buying books and book shelves. I never seem to have enough shelves! We have a “chair and a half” which I call a love seat and I love it. It’s just the right size for me and I do all my school and computer work and reading on it, but your right. It’s too small to sleep on comfortably.
I admire the steps you’ve taken. It’s not easy to change things up like that. Not easy at all, but yeah, exciting too! I used to want to get married again, but I really enjoy living alone. It’s more great than it isn’t. So I am very happy for you.
Only wish I could solve the couch problem for you! I absolutely do want to come visit! I have to see this place and you face inside of it. I bet you look peaceful there even with the early rising!
Big hugs. You rock!
@GoodGuyTheBoss - ”Change can be frightening and exciting all at the same time.”
This is very well put! My life is going through some big changes, so I hear you.
Isn’t it great to have the issue of needing more bookcases?
Good for you for taking care of yourself…even if it means a cramped neck!!