Wow—It’s Been a While… Let’s Catch Up

Life, right? Full of twists, turns, and the kind of pitfalls you hope to avoid… and yet, here I am, finally catching my breath enough to write again.

Back in July, my lease was ending, and I made the decision not to renew. Not because I wanted to add chaos to my life, but because I no longer needed that much space, and frankly, I couldn’t afford the rent. My son was ready to spread his wings, so we got him an RV so he could travel for work and live more freely. I was proud of him and also terrified for myself.

I found a cheap apartment in a not-so-great area, thinking I’d just hunker down and make it work. But the walk-through was… hellacious. Like, health-code-violation-level bad. When I voiced my concerns, the landlord basically told me I’d be a "problem tenant" and terminated the lease before I even moved in.

Just like that, I was homeless.

Everything went into storage. I found myself without a place to call home, something I hoped I’d never experience again. Thankfully, I have incredible friends, and one let me crash with them for a week. So it was me and the fur children, trying to figure out our next step while my mental health was sliding down the slippery slope of doom and gloom.

By some miracle (and pure determination), I found another place within a few days. And cue: Round Two of moving chaos. Let me just say I hate moving. The end of June, the first of July was easily the most stressful time of my year.

But now? I’m in a cute little apartment. It’s nothing fancy, but it’s mine (for now), and the fur kids and I are safe.

As for the future? I’m still chasing the dream of homeownership. That deep, soul-level desire to have a place of my own, a space where I don’t have to follow someone else’s rules. Where I can paint my walls any color I want or hang plants from the ceiling without asking for permission. A place where no one can tell me I don’t belong.

Homeownership has come close a few times, only to slip away. Some days it still feels like a pipe dream, but I’m refusing to let those thoughts win. I want my own place. I want that freedom. I never want to experience homelessness again.

This whole ordeal taught me something powerful: Don’t give up.

Yes, it knocked the wind out of me. Yes, it set me back. And yes, I’ve neglected things and haven’t been the best friend lately. But I’m coming back to myself. I’m climbing out of that dark space.

I believe everything happens for a reason. Maybe that place falling through saved me from being somewhere unsafe. Maybe this was just life reminding me of how strong I really am.

I’m still here.

Still dreaming.

Still fighting.

And I’m not giving up.