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I moved four times during the first ten years of my life.

Orlando to Sherman

Sherman to Corpus Christi

Corpus Christi to San Antonio 

And then San Antonio to Houston.

After that, we moved three more times in Houston, from an apartment to a rented townhouse, and then finally to a townhouse that Mom purchased. 

This townhouse has been my home since I was fifteen years old.

So many memories, good and bad.

Recovering from multiple surgeries. 

Homebound school programs

Raising my dog Kasha

Proms

High school and undergraduate graduations

Getting ready for my sister's wedding

Even though I left to attend graduate school and then stayed in that city, the townhouse, and Houston,  has still been home. I came home often for weekends and for holidays. I often brought friends with me. Mom was always happy to have people visit. She was proud of her townhouse, and her patio of plants and roses.

Yesterday was my last night in the room that's been mine since I was fifteen years old. My last time making it up and down the stairs. My last time getting ready in my bathroom. My last time getting clothes from my walk in closet.

I have been extremely fortunate to have a room and a home to return to for so many years.

Now my mother is beginning a new life. She will have socialization and recreation, and she'll be closer to her family. It is a huge change. I have lived in the house for many years. And I have returned to that house. But it has been her house - for nearly forty years.

The only constant in life is change. Change can be sad. 

It can be scary.

But it can also be exciting. 

And wonderful.

I hope the next family has years of good times in Mom's townhouse. 

Survivor Season 47 Finale: My Thoughts (Spoilers)

But really how much of a spoiler is it? :)

Congrats Rachel!

Rachel dominated the last few weeks of the season, winning immunity challenges and leading the way to eliminate two strong players: Andy and Genevieve. She played her idol in a memorable tribal council when everyone but Sue was planning her ouster. She won the final immunity challenge, rewarded Sue's loyalty, and was able to sit back and relax as Teeny and Sam battled in the fire making challenge. Well, no one was able to relax during that. It was a nail biter!

Anyway, Rachel deserved to win. She became the fifth woman in Survivor history to win four individual immunity challenges. Sam tried hard to make his case to the jury, but for me he came across as condescending and too aggressive. He gave Rachel her props after she won, but during the interrogation he downplayed the importance of winning challenges. Of course he did, because he didn't win anything, except the fire making challenge. Getting to the finale doesn't mean that you deserve to be there, or that you deserve to win. 

Speaking of props, I want to express my admiration for both Sue and Teeny. No, they didn't win. But Sue won a challenge, almost won others, found an idol, was loyal, and that loyalty got her to the end. Teeny lost the fire making challenge, but I blame the wind, not her ability to keep the fire going. She should be proud of what she accomplished. And yes, Sam should be proud for not giving up, on himself or the fire he created. 

I also want to say that even though I was not a fan of Andy's or Genevieve's, I appreciated how strong and hard they played. They were fun to watch. 

And finally, a shout out to the men I was rooting for and mourned as each one was sent packing: Sol, Gabe, and Kyle. 

Looking forward to Season 48!

librarianintx

DWTS Finale: My Thoughts

 Yes, its been weeks. 

Oops.

Anyway, congratulations to Joey and Jenna on winning the season!

Overall, I wasn't a huge fan of the freestyles this season. 

Stephen and Riley's was my favorite, and the most memorable IMO. Joey and Jenna's was second for me. 

I thought Chandler and Brandon would win, and I'm sad for them that they came in third, although I'm happy for Ilona and Alan that they were runners up. 

As always, I love this show, and thoroughly enjoyed this season. 

I love witnessing the journeys and seeing the growth, as individuals, and as dancers.

Maybe next time I'll have to time to blog every episode. 

Until next season Dance Fans!

librarianintx