No Longer Homeless
Posted by Moose on March 31st, 2008. Filed under: Love.Why was I homeless, you ask? Well, pull up a chair and I’ll tell you. Like the ancient mariner, it’s a tale of woe and shipwrecked adventure. Only with less shipwreck, less adventure, and an albatross-size portion of woe.
I’ve been homeless for the past week because my five year relationship ended rather abruptly last Tuesday morning, leaving me wandering the streets crying and wondering what the hell just happened and where on earth I was supposed to go. Lest I paint anyone too black, I was told I could stay as long as I wanted. But would you? Nothing makes heartbreak less fun than a hefty dose of awkward. Unless it’s realizing that the life you were living has cracked into shards at your feet and you now have to find an entirely new direction. One that does not include a relationship, a large sunny house, or a sweet dog.
But a few hours ago I took possession of the keys to my own little railroad apartment on a sunny, tree-lined street. My heart lifted, my bank account wept, and my friends’ couches sighed as they released a cumbersome burden. Having a little space to call my own makes things feel more bearable. Hope can’t be far off.
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March 31st, 2008 at 11:39 pm
Oh, Moose, I hope the new place has an uplifting view out one window or another. I don’t know that San Francisco has much sunshine in April, and it’s not like Michigan has excesses of the stuff that I could bottle and send you — but I’m wishing you all the sunshine I can.
May I also recommend a large-sized can of Almond Roca? That stuff is like bites of heaven wrapped in golden paper. Closest thing to eating sunshine I can think of…
March 31st, 2008 at 11:59 pm
Oh, no. That just plain sucks for about seventeen different reasons. I am wishing and thinking and sending hope your way. Hope hope hope hope hope…and maybe something funny to laugh so hard at your tummy hurts. That always helps. But mostly, hope.
April 1st, 2008 at 12:28 am
delurking to send you lots of good thoughts and seconding the almond roca strategy.
April 1st, 2008 at 5:19 am
Aw, Moose, I would totally let you sleep on our couch if we weren’t clear across the damn country.
April 1st, 2008 at 6:27 am
Oh, no, Moose!
I’m so heartbroken for you, and full of admiration for how you are handling this. I hope the new place brings a lot of comfort, and opens a great new chapter in your life.
April 1st, 2008 at 6:29 am
I hope your new apartment brings you little rays of sunshine that San Fran tends to forget about during spring.
April 1st, 2008 at 6:29 am
Also delurking to say I’m so, so sorry
Life is just really crappy sometimes, isn’t it?
I hope that your new apartment holds lots of great things for you. And if we’re talking about comfort eating? A pint of Ben and Jerry’s Cinnamon Buns ice cream never hurt anyone
April 1st, 2008 at 6:36 am
Moose,
With this news, I’m actually crushed. You have a lot going for you and there are brighter days ahead. To remove your burden, I’m going to find a cookie and glass of milk and sulk for you.
TheRunningBob (formerly Milomilo2)
April 1st, 2008 at 6:39 am
I’m so sorry to hear this. Glad you have a new little place to call your own, though.
April 1st, 2008 at 6:45 am
My heart sank when I read this. I’m so sorry. I hope that this new change in your life — and this new apartment! — will only bring about good things for you. Very good things.
April 1st, 2008 at 6:49 am
I was wondering why the gap between posts. And, certainly, you have a good reason. No home! It must feel that everything has been yanked out from under you. I hope you can settle into the new digs smoothly and without too many crying jags (though crying jags can be very cleansing).
April 1st, 2008 at 6:55 am
I am so sorry to hear about the relationship BUT I am glad you found a place to call your own. I hope things continue to look up and this new home becomes filled with sunshine as well.
April 1st, 2008 at 7:03 am
That sucks! I’m so sorry, but I’m glad you’ve found the place to make your fresh start! We’ll be here pulling for you.
April 1st, 2008 at 7:12 am
Thanks, guys! I’ve been doing quite well, all things considered. My friends and family have been great, and so are you all.
I get to move into my new place today and then make many, many Target runs. Nothing cheers a girl up like Target.
April 1st, 2008 at 7:13 am
Moose, I am so sorry to hear this. My heart broke a little for you just now. I am glad that you were able to find an apartment to call your own. I am certain you’ll be back on your feet in no time. I’ll be thinking of you.
p.s. I also second the Cinnamon Bun ice cream. The bun dough and streusel swirls are surely sent from heaven.
April 1st, 2008 at 7:48 am
Your butt is not burdensome. My couch will miss you, but at least we’re going to be NEIGHBORS!
April 1st, 2008 at 7:53 am
Sorry, Moose. UGH.
Hey, if you feel the need to soak up some really warm sun, get your butt down to So Cal. My margaritas fix EVERYTHING, and you’re always welcome.
April 1st, 2008 at 8:39 am
You know I feel bad…but when is the housewarming? I will bring the tots!!
How about an Ikea run, too…mmmmmm….Ikea.
April 1st, 2008 at 8:59 am
I’m so sorry Moose, breakups suck a million times over. And you are right, sometimes there is nothing like a Target run to lift the spirits.
April 1st, 2008 at 9:03 am
Sorry Moose, that totally stinks.
I’m glad you found a new place though. Sometimes it is fun to have a fresh start- a new view.
April 1st, 2008 at 9:10 am
i wish i had some cinnamon rolls left…because i SO would have sent them your way.
hugs. that sucks.
April 1st, 2008 at 9:25 am
I can’t wait til we get to decorate your new place! I’ve been thinking about it all night, COLOR SCHEMES and everything. You’ll find that a few Target and IKEA runs are actually pretty restorative……providing we don’t go on a weekend. Um, did I say we? Yes, I did. I hope you’ll take me with you. I am EXCELLENT at knowing which spatulat is best in IKEA: the VORKLP or the TORKL.
April 1st, 2008 at 9:25 am
Whoa. Quite shocking to read. Glad you’re okay (as much as can be reasonably expected).
Next time, come on down to L.A. and stay in our guest room, and let our codependent, attention-needy pugs bond with Auntie Moose. It may be just enough distance to take a step back and get a more objective perspective of ‘thangs.’
To New Beginnings and Fresh Starts. Hope, here comes Moose!
April 1st, 2008 at 9:26 am
New address needed as cookies are a must during times like these. I promise this time.
April 1st, 2008 at 9:46 am
i think it’s time i return the cookie favor from a few years (?!) back. for serious, send address. cookies coming.
April 1st, 2008 at 9:56 am
Oh Moose. I’m so sorry to hear this. I remember winning brownies from you one time and I’d like to return the favor. I can bake. Really I can! Or, I can get my sister, the pastry chef to make you something delectable. She’s in San Francisco too!
Here’s to better days.
April 1st, 2008 at 10:11 am
Congrats on the new digs. Target-ing and IKEA-ing ! so jealous – esp. since I’ve been banned on bringing anything (more) from either of those stores into our teeny apt.! Also – there is Daiso! http://www.daiso-sangyo.co.jp/english/
April 1st, 2008 at 10:21 am
At the very least, you can give yourself a big ol’ pat on the back for weathering this with style and grace.
I’m so impressed with you and I can’t wait to come over to your new place. BTW, to those of you not familiar with SF, this is the absolute cutest neighborhood in the whole city!
April 1st, 2008 at 10:34 am
Girl, send me your address. I want to send you a housewarming gift. Congrats on the apartment, even though I’m sorry this was the reason. But go ahead and let Target comfort you with it’s far reaching retail arms of love. Because it really works.
Thinking of you.
April 1st, 2008 at 10:37 am
Oh no, Honey. I was crushed for you when I read this. I’m sending you huge hugs. xox
April 1st, 2008 at 10:40 am
moose, brighter days are ahead.
April 1st, 2008 at 11:14 am
there is nothing like “room of one’s own” to lift a girl’s spirit…!!
April 1st, 2008 at 11:57 am
Moose – longtime reader, first time delurker on your site. That happened to me 2 years ago – and it is crappy with an extra dose of crap on top. Thankfully you have great friends and family close by and have a new place all your own. If I lived by, you could totally come and play with our dog Arthur. If ever in Toronto and need a puppy fix – give a holler – the door is always open and we ALWAYS have wine.
April 1st, 2008 at 12:04 pm
I hope your life is filled with all the almond roca you want. And if you ever get up to Seattle, our couch is yours.
April 1st, 2008 at 12:19 pm
Moosey my dear,
I’m sad to hear about the relationship, glad to hear about the new apartment, and here-here to help with anything I can. I’m on spring break this week. Call me. Scratch that, I’ll probably call you first.
Love you!
April 1st, 2008 at 1:03 pm
I could not agree more — nothing cheers a girl up like Target. Hopefully one of the nearby stores is of the “Super” variety.
April 1st, 2008 at 1:17 pm
Oh girl, I am so sorry. I’ve been there. I know the suckiness of it all. Love, food, alcohol, Target, Ikea, and even some chic flick wallowing over good food we cook ourselves. Me casa a su casa. (Remember, I took French in high school to help me with ballet!)
April 1st, 2008 at 2:13 pm
Man I am sorry that you have to go through this. The breaking up part, not the new sunny apartment with Target and IKEA runs.
(((HUGS)))
April 1st, 2008 at 2:17 pm
Oh no! Moosey, I’m so sorry. Hope you’re doing okay. Glad you have a place to call home while you sort things out.
April 1st, 2008 at 2:23 pm
Also delurking to say how sorry I am but also how awesome you are.
May you find happiness and delight in the overly-lit aisles of Target and may the sun always shine into your OWN apartment.
April 1st, 2008 at 3:22 pm
Holy Moses, Moose. I let out a big “Whoa”–woke up the cat that’s on my lap. I hope the Retail-Therapy helps and I’d like to second what Newt said. Atta-girl for getting through one helluva time.
April 1st, 2008 at 5:26 pm
I kept scrolling and scrolling through the comments, hoping for an “April Fools.”
April 1st, 2008 at 6:03 pm
Hi Ms. Moose –
Your long-time Texas fan here, rather surprised and crestfallen to hear this news. I’m so sorry this has happened, I’m sure it was TOTALLY his fault so let me apologize on behalf of him and all men everywhere, pigs that we are. Well some, anyway. But I’m glad to see you’re getting lots of support both here in Bloggerland and in RL. Keep in mind that someday he will realize what a fool he was to lose you and will come crawling back on his hands and knees begging for you to take him back but by then it will be too late because you’ll be engaged to a handsome, wealthy, witty novelist who also by the way owns a combination community theater and cookie factory, and who loves you for the sweet and wonderful person you are.
Or something kinda like that. Here’s wishing you better days ahead.
-A.
April 1st, 2008 at 6:49 pm
Oh, God. I am so sorry. That is a very long time to be with someone and have it end.
I’m very sorry, but glad that you are looking on the positive.
April 1st, 2008 at 7:05 pm
I’m so sorry! Hang in there, Moosie. You’ve got an apartment and that’s a start.
*hugs*
April 1st, 2008 at 7:46 pm
Moose, you have tons of emotional supporters in your readership. Yes, you have a readership!
You have friends you don’t even know. You’ll do well.
April 1st, 2008 at 7:55 pm
Happy Moving Day! You’ve been so strong through this whole process; I really admire you!
Can’t wait to see the new digs!
April 1st, 2008 at 8:01 pm
Bless you. I couldn’t be more sympathetic. It breaks my heart for you. I won’t even start with the “best is yet to come” stuff, but know it’s true anyway and we’ll all be here in spirit behind you all the way. Big hugs.
April 1st, 2008 at 8:11 pm
I don’t even know you, but you’ve sent me emails, and I read your blog, and my heart broke just a little to read your blog, because I’ve been there. I hope the new apartment is a great starting over for you.
I’ve seen Holly’s apartment pictures. Take her to Ikea and Target with you. I myself just spent a small fortune at Ikea thanks to the peep into her apartment. It has changed my living room and basement, and definitely lifted my spirits.
My heart is with you. I wish you all the best!
April 2nd, 2008 at 5:34 am
i am so sorry….
the same thing happened to me in january. one day i woke up and my life kind of aborted me.
thanks to friends, family and a huge dose of (i will admit to sometimes bitter) humor. i have gotten through some dark days which seem to be lightening a little around the edges. i have found inspiration in some pretty strange places that seems to be helping me grow through all of this and not in my usual ben & jerry’s kind of way.
i don’t know you but i guess my unsolicited input is to be where you are in all of it, let your support system hug you and listen to you and tell you when to pull your sad butt off the couch. your outlook seems so positive and you seem drawn to the humor, the joy, the absurdity of life – that spark will keep itself glowing and warm your soul in all of this. in my heartbreak, my capacity for laughter has kept it all from getting hopelessly bleak and i hope yours does too.
be well
e
April 2nd, 2008 at 12:04 pm
Oh shit, Moose, I’m so sorry. And worse, I’m sorry I’m late. It is my punishment for failing to hit ‘refresh’.
I have hope for you that great things are on the horizon, and that Holly will point you in the right spatulic direction. Much love to you.
April 2nd, 2008 at 12:13 pm
OH NO! I’m so sorry! Moose, let us take you out for an evening, or have you over for dinner or something.
Shit. That sucks.
-Simon
April 2nd, 2008 at 12:14 pm
Drinks are in order. Large ones.
April 2nd, 2008 at 3:23 pm
You are completely brilliant Moose. I know you’re going to carry on and do well. I think this calls for drinks.
Green apple martini? Cosmopolitan? Pomtini? Are you like a friend of mine from work — a beer drinker?
April 2nd, 2008 at 4:37 pm
Oh, I’m sorry to hear about your breakup. I’ve been there, too. And yes, a little place of your own is good for the soul.
April 3rd, 2008 at 10:14 am
Oh my gawd! I’m so sorry. Let us know if you need anything.
April 3rd, 2008 at 3:18 pm
I’m late, but I’m so sorry, Moose. You are far too awesome for something this sucky to be acceptable. I hope that the whole thing gets better with time and cookies.
April 3rd, 2008 at 4:57 pm
Oh Moose. I just read this post. I’m so sorry to hear about that, but I’m really amazed by your optimism. It will get better. That said, I know it does suck hard right now. I don’t live to far away, so let me know if you need a soup delivery.
April 3rd, 2008 at 7:04 pm
Oh, Moose, this makes me sorry I didn’t come by to catch up sooner, so that I could’ve been beaming you some supportive, Gloria-Gaynor style thoughts from down here in South Bay all this time. I think it was wise of you to rip the breakup band-aid off cleanly rather than staying around. After a little apartment therapy, I’m sure your new digs are going to rock.
April 3rd, 2008 at 8:40 pm
Delurking (a bit late!) to say I’m sorry — that really sucks. Sounds like you’ve landed on your feet already. Good luck with the new apartment!
April 3rd, 2008 at 9:18 pm
I’m really late, but I’m sending hugs and wishes for better times ahead. xo!
April 4th, 2008 at 7:24 am
Delurking to say that I’m very sorry to hear this tale of woe. But, I admire your resilience and your deep appreciation of Target! Wishing you bountiful happiness in your new digs.
April 4th, 2008 at 7:35 am
Dropping in via the BlogHer ads (and thereby hoping to contribute a cent or two towards your rent) to say sorry about your woe. Hope things are soon looking up for you.
April 4th, 2008 at 4:28 pm
Aw MOOSE! God. Da. MIT. I’m sorry! Maybe it’s time for the internet to send YOU the cookies for a change! Figuratively and otherwise. I’ll happily do so.
April 5th, 2008 at 1:11 am
dlurking to say…so bummed about the sad news. but sounds like you’re headed already to the up and up. change and a new place can be good.
i’m more than willing to send baked goods or maybe some gelato? mmmm.
April 14th, 2008 at 11:13 pm
Ahhh! Moose! So sorry – I’ve been so far off the blogging wagon (with the crazy Life..thing..) that I didn’t even know about this until today! So much changes when you ‘go away”. Wow….Well, its been a little while, so I’ll offer my condolences but also my confidence that you and your new place are ‘getting to know each other” and life is getting better, a wee tiny bit at a time.
And if you’re ever in Santa Barbara for a getaway weekend, please don’t hesitate to call me for tea/drinks/anything you need!
April 15th, 2008 at 4:28 pm
Holy crap. I’m so sorry.
April 23rd, 2008 at 2:33 pm
Aw man! Moose, I’m so sorry! *hugs*