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What a strange experience – Renting an apartment

Posted on February 18, 2009 by Gwen Bettwy

I rented an apartment today.  I have not done that since 1993 or so.  I have been a happy home owner for the last 14 1/2 years and I am essentially starting over on the home front.

I am downsizing from the 3500 square foot home that my ex insisted on having and moving into an apartment with about 700 square feet.  I do believe that my new apartment would fit inside of the garage of the house I am leaving.  It is probably still more room than I really need but I have found that it is difficult to rent an apartment that is much smaller, at least here in Tampa.

I must admit though that I am really quite happy at the idea of calling the rental office when something is broken.  I dont have to fix it myself.  When I did my ‘final walkthrough’ of the apartment today before taking possession of it I discovered that the screens on the windows had little holes in them.  My first thought was that they are not too difficult to replace, and the steps necessary, then I realized…. I don’t have to fix them, they get to fix them.  What a nice change from being responsible for fixing everything.  It is also the first time in almost 15 years that I don’t have to worry about mowing the yard.  I don’t have to worry about taking care of the pool.  I don’t have to worry about the washing machine breaking.

I have so much stress in my life anyways.  It is going to be nice to take a break from worrying about fixing everything around the house.  Perhaps the next man in my life will have some home repair skills of his own.  I have not had any luck with that in the past and as a result I am Ms. Fixit. I have done everything from hanging drywall to replacing the garbage disposal or toilet.  There is a satisfaction in doing your own work and doing it well, but for not I am quite sastisfied in knowing I CAN do it myself.

Perhaps the one thing I will do this weekend is replace the lock with a much better quality.  Teaching security leaves me a bit paranoid.  Knowing it is fairly easy to pick a lock is one thing, but it is so unbelievably easy to bump a lock and even easier to purchase the tools needed to do that leaves me wanting a high end, bump resistant, lock from Schlage or Medeco.

Be Safe

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Filed under: Rebuilding my life, Reinventing my life, Uncategorized | Leave a comment »

And This Journey Begins

Posted on February 4, 2009 by Gwen Bettwy

I am officially registered for the Red Ribbon Ride. I am proud of myself for stepping up and riding again. I am scared that I wont adequately train. I am honored that you would take the time to read this. I am thankful for my health when so many are battling HIV and AIDS in the US and around the world.


My last ride like this was in 2000 when I rode to raise money for a vaccine for HIV/AIDS. We chose to go to the ‘ends of the earth’ for that ride. So we rode from Fairbanks to Anchorage across two mountain ranges and 450 miles. I am happy to know that I dont have any mountain ranges to cross on this ride, but I am also aware that riding 300+ miles is still going to be work.


So why? Why ride? My simplest answer is that I ride because I can. But the truth is that it goes so much deeper. I ride for those who cant. I ride to push myself to and through another limit that I have, for some illogical reason, placed on myself. I ride because I want to help raise money for those living with this disease, but I feel that I should work for your hard earned money that I am asking you for.


I have only been back on my bicycle a few times since I got off of it in Anchorage. I have been riding a recumbent for years since I have two degenerative discs in my lower back. My hope this year is to return to an upright bike. I love riding my ‘bent’ but at the same time I wish to strengthen my muscles to support my back. If I can ride an upright bike then I will have succeeded.


So training for the past few weeks has been intense core muscle strengthening. It is going well and I am happy to say that it looks like I will be able to choose which bike I really want to ride this summer!


So back to training for me 😉
If you wish to make a donation or wish to know more about this ride please go here, or feel free to ask me for more info!

This ride is called The Red Ribbon Ride.  I have joined team Corn Cob with my dear friend Richard.

Filed under: Rebuilding my life, Red Ribbon Ride | Leave a comment »

Indian Summber by Dorothy Parker

Posted on February 3, 2009 by Gwen Bettwy

In youth, it was a way I had
To do my best to please,
And change, with every passing lad,
To suit his theories.

But now I know the things I know,
And do the things I do;
And if you do not like me so,
To hell, my love, with you!

Filed under: Quotes | Leave a comment »