GUYS, DOLLS and INDEPENDENCE - MAY 1985

MAY 4, 1985

Robert took me to Skyline H.S. to see Guys & Dolls. It was an excellent production! LouAnn's daughter, Susan was either in it or went to h.s. there.

MAY 23, 1985

Thursday

I have been very depressed lately, but Mom and Dad have come up with a solution that made me wake up feeling much better today. I’ve been wanting to move out on my own (without a roommate), but realized the other day that I can’t afford it. That really upset me. Well, Mom and Dad (bless their generous hearts) came up with a plan of refinancing my car payments so I can afford an apartment. I would rather pay longer on my car than stay in Kathleen’s apartment two more years. One problem is I’ve always felt of that apartment as Kathleen’s, even after almost two years.)

I want an apartment in Garland. An apartment not much more than $400 (tops) with the decor in light colors. That’s mainly what I insist upon. And of course good neighborhood.

I found some in Garland that take pets. They’re brand new, (I get to choose the decor of my individual apartment) and the cheapest one is $335. Not bad! There is a one bedroom that has a fireplace, ceiling fan and washer/dryer connections for $375 or so. It would be really great to get one like that. But I don’t know if I can afford that. This is NOT all bills paid. They’re located at Broadway and Centerville. Sounds really great to me. I need to go by and look at them. They told me to call about two or three weeks before I’m ready to move in. September 1 is when I gave Kathleen my deadline. I hope I don’t get too antsy before then. I’m really excited. It’ll be great having my very own place. No one to mess it up or put MY stuff where it doesn’t belong. I can watch what shows I want and decorate they way I want to! YAHOO! I told them it would be close to two months and they said that’s fine. They apparently just started leasing. I want to check these out this weekend, but I don't’ see that I can. Mary wants to leave straight from Arlington to the cabin where Mom and Dad will be. She wants to wait and go Sunday, but I still kind of want to go Saturday. I guess if we go early Sunday, that’ll be okay. This will be a very relaxing and family-filled weekend.

(2021 comment - Just for the record, there couldn’t be a better roommate than Kathleen - she even helped with Coco a lot. It just made sense to move to Garland - turned out she was about done with those apartments also. Wasn’t too long that Englenook Apts were condemned. Kathleen remains one of my dearest friends)

MAY 24, 1985

Friday

I am in a great mood today. It feels great! It’s probably been a couple of weeks that I’ve been in a great mood. One person that put me in this wonderful mood is my sister, Mary. We talked about an hour last night and did a lot of laughing. She brought my spirits up tremendously by building my confidence and supporting me. I love people who do that. (Especially when they’re in your family.) You know, I’ve already loved Mary, but I feel I’m understanding and loving her more and more the older I become. She would say things to me like (I’d mention that I was kind of lonely, as as dating, etc. goes). “Do you realize how young you are? You are SO young! The older you get the more chances you have of getting someone on your level.” That made me feel great. Sometimes (not more of the time) I need strong support and optimism. I need someone to remind me how great my life is.

(2021 comment - Just realized this year that my love language is “Words of Affirmation.” - maybe that’s always been true!)

I truly think moving is going to be absolutely great for me. It’s also going to be better for Kathleen and my friendship. I really enjoyed her last night, and I truly haven’t had fun with her in a long time. If I stayed around any longer than this summer, we might get on each other’s nerves. Too many little things were bothering me, that shouldn’t have. I’m glad for all of this.