Day 1 in Seattle

  I have tried living life being steady and normal. It turns out, I really like having my fair share of Day 1 stories. Day 932 stories have their place. It's just that I learned which kind I prefer. I am 17,240 days old today. It's amazing what you can look up on the internet. If I had looked it up earlier, I would have made big plans for the 17,000 mark that was earlier this year. No, it's day 228 of the year, so my milestone would have been last December. I think. No more math.
  We are close to Seattle. When I step out of my front door I can see the tall city. We live on a hill, and it's pretty awesome. It's so fantastic to have our own place. I unpacked everything the first night. Which is everything that we had in the car, so it basically didn't take long. How much do you need for 8 weeks? I can't tell you how terrific it felt to open a drawer and put my things in it. And then go back and open the drawer and find what I need. A simple and pure joy of life. We have stayed with other people and in hotel rooms for over a year.
  Staying with family is cool, but it means I am not in charge of what goes where. Plus this tiny apartment is super cute. Nice decorations and a wonderful bathroom. I am spoiled. I no will no longer be happy with any less of a bathroom. My Mom had outstanding bathrooms too. Just wanted to give an honorable mention.
  This is Day 5 for me, and I'm very happy. One of my oldest and closest friends live near here. Seeing her again has been supercalifragilisticexpialadocious. She has spoiled me. I feel like a little kid, I'm so happy to see her. She is one of my personal heroes.
  It's not without the ups and downs. Life is never perfect, I just write about the perfect moments. I have my not-so-perfect moments too. In California Ron got sick, and I was so happy that I just had allergies. Then we arrived in Washington and it was my turn. I can't remember the last time I was so sick. I couldn't sleep for five nights. Coughing and hacking and in between that trying to not cough and hack, while going through a few boxes of kleenex. That fun kind of cough, where the universe seems to stop, because you just can't breathe. Well, let's just say this cough put the F.U. in FUN. More than once I felt like I was turning inside out. It was intense.
  It was brutal. I started to contemplate my own mortality. I had to sleep on the couch, like I was in a big argument with my husband or something. All the wile we are at Ron's oldest son's place, and I'm trying to be as warm and fuzzy as I can. I have met him only a few times. The days were ok, but the nights were a constant cough-fest. I think I pulled it off though. Well, I know I think Derek is pretty cool, and he appeared to be ok with me.
  Having my own place to be alone and sick and a blob on the couch, that is a real blessing. Getting better has been ... what is a good adjective? Today is my first day of being better, and it's a gigantic relief. The most exercise I had all week was shopping. Walmart and Costco, that's it.
  So take the good moments and hold on tight. Life is a ride. Embrace it. And remember that art therapy is a valuable thing for dealing with stress. And humor. Sometimes you just have to talk with a lisp and break the mood with some laughter. I usually start with my own name.