What a girl wants . . . and needs

This whole ordeal has been quite an enlightening experience. The basic update is this: Ricky and I are on our feet. We’ve moved to a great little house in the heart of Broad Ripple. All of our basic needs taken care of -- a place to sleep, a roof over our heads, food to eat, a place to shower, etc. and we're settling in nicely. In fact, I think we might be better off now than we were before. We certainly have some nicer things and there isn’t a whole lot that we were super disappointed to see go (at least, that’s what I keep telling myself, despite the numerous items that continue to pop into my head realizing that I've lost -- creative writing works, all the data on my computer, yearbooks, vintage sofas, my guitar, etc.) . . . it really WAS just “stuff,” and while some things can’t be replaced, I’m trying to think of the whole situation as a great cleansing, allowing us the opportunity to move forward and make a brand new start.

The outpouring of love and support that we’ve been receiving has been the greatest blessing of all. So thank you all SO SO much. It's really quite amazing to look around and see all of the people who have been willing to help. It's quite a wake-up call to see just how many people we actually know, and that these people -- some from college, from former employers, etc. that I haven't seen or talked to in several YEARS -- are collecting money from coworkers to send our way. If ever I doubted the human spirit, this has certainly restored my faith in people. Plus, I always try to see life experiences like this as fodder for my writing. I haven't drawn upon a lot of my experiences yet, but I've always been of the opinion that you have to experience life to write about it. And I've certainly experienced some things that many other people have not. I'm sure I'll find use for these in the future.

All that said, now that the initial wave of donations has come in, several of you have been waiting for an update of what's still needed. At this point, I can't say that there's anything that I actually NEED. I've got enough paper towels and toilet paper to last me through Christmas. And thanks to the thoughtfulness of so many, I've got many of the things I would have never thought of -- like measuring cups, an egg timer, lint brush, scale, makeup and hair products, tequila, toys (Lindy!), etc. and some very special items that will bring wonderful, positive energy to my new home, as well as a decorative spice. I've also received numerous gift cards (which have been a HUGE blessing during the seemingly daily trips to Target for basics like socks and underwear, skirt hangers, Brita water pitcher, hose nozzle, etc.)and cash donations, which have gone to groceries, replacing some of our DVDs, etc. (replacing a woman's undergarment collection is quite a costly endeavor, I assure you men out there . . . you women know how much bras are these days!).

So, it's all a wish list now of things that I'd love to have but can live without or can purchase in the near future.

Bedroom furniture for my room -- medium/dark wood nightstand and chest of drawers (tall dresser or armoire - since the rooms are small, a long dresser won't work)

Tools - drill, screws and nails, screwdrivers, etc. Things to just do minor things around the house like hang pictures and assemble the Target furniture I've bought, etc.

Dining room table and chairs (preferably a rectangle shape in a dark wood) and buffet

Bookshelves

Acoustic guitar

Printer

PS2 and games

CDs and DVDs

Possibly a TV or computer armoire (debating for Ricky's room or playroom)



Other things will probably pop up, but I'm not trying to be greedy and I really do have more than I NEED. I've been more than provided for and I cannot express my immense gratitude for the outpouring of donations that we've received. It means so much. And I hate to be a charity case, but I really could not have done it without you all. So thank you.