these five rooms

living room, dining room, kitchen, bathroom and bedroom--and the five just like them on the other side of the house, are now mine -- today was closing day.

(rooms one and two)

It was stressful and strange and last minute.
I didn't know until an hour before how much money I needed to bring with me. Luckily I had that much-- with a few dollars left over

The first thing I signed said "Nora Spitznogle, unmarried woman"
Was that necessary, really?

My landlords were incredibly generous and kind -- and took me out for a beer afterward.

Chez Pez

The whole thing drained me -- I lost my voice and am exhausted.
I went to a swanky party and was too tired to stay.

I couldn't resist a self-timed photograph pointing to MY house.
I'm off to curl up in the fetal position under my covers.
In MY bedroom!