Note to myself.

Remember last year's Halloween? Here you go.

Best line:

I was relieved it went so well but also a little forlorn because well, I may have mentioned this before? But I, uh, really hate my neighborhood and am dying to move? And we have to unload the house before we can move? And we can't really afford the neighborhood I want?

Oh last year Melissa, I wish I could talk to you now. No, actually I wish the experience of being incredibly unhappy and working my ass off to get out of the situation making me unhappy would make me realize life always works out for the best.

I can not believe this year I hosted Halloween at my own house. In the neighborhood I thought I could never be in a year before.

If I could send a thank you note to myself, this is what it would look like.

Dear Last Year Melissa,
Hello?
You made what you wanted be reality.
You rule.

I love this life you made happen.
Thank you.

PS: Do you think you could do it all with less crying next time?

Happy Halloween.

Comments

[HouseofJules]

I do remember that post, and am so happy that you've turned it all around for yourself in one short year! That rocks!

**If you're looking for a laugh, be sure to read the "Spooky, scary spine-chillingly holiday appropriate story; also see hilarious cautionary tale" post on my blog today.

It's so funny (and completely a true story) that you might just spit out your beverage as you read it!**

Jules
House of Jules

[Kelly]

You TOTALLY rule. I love this post so, so much. I need to remember how different things can be a week, a month, a year from now.

Which is not to say that this current sucky time can go ahead and bite me.

[Sarah Brown]

I am so proud of you. You should write an email to Next Year Melissa just in case she needs reminding: futureme.org

[Kate]

I am so happy that you understand that the year happened this way not because "it was meant to be" but rather because you worked your ass off. That is really awesome. I feel like I should hang this post on my fridge.

[Amelia]

Delurking to say, Way to go. The work you did to make this change happen is really inspiring.

[stewbie2]

Happy Halloween, indeed! :)

[witchypoo]

It's amazing that you managed to sell your place, considering the area's soft market.
Aren't you happy you didn't buy?

[Melissa Summers]

Yes I am. Very happy.

Not only are we learning exactly what this house needs and doesn't need. The duct work needs cleaning, the central air needs an update, the french door upstairs needs replacing, the front hall closet fell off....etc etc.

We're also feeling more certain this is actually the neighborhood for us and the right school for our kids.

Prices continue to fall in this area (house on the corner we looked at last summer just sold for 60K less than they were asking at that time) putting us in an even greater bargaining position when it comes time to negotiate this house's purchase.

Internet, you don't have to worry about me and me not owning a house. I've got it covered.

[Jennifer]

How can I thank you for the perfect post at the perfect time? I think I will print it out and post it on my fridge like the commenter above. I've been feeling like things are going out of control lately. Your letter to yourself? It is my dream for next year. (Except for the moving part, other things are out of control) Good to know that it can actually happen. Thank you, thank you, thank you for a great post.
Congratulations on making it happen for yourself.

[The Metamorph]

This has got to be one of my favorite blog posts in the History of Blog Posts.

So glad you're happy! :)

[rbharris]

I am so happy for you. I've been reading a long time and have been consistently inspired by your dedication to your goals. I remember debt no more in 2004 and how you worked really hard to change the way you spent money, and even though it was hard, and you wrote about it with great honesty and humor, you DID it and it inspired me to do the same. Life doesn't change overnight. You decide how you want your life to be and work hard to make it that way. I really respect how hard you've worked to make your dream a reality. You deserve a hundred superhero necklaces!

[sparksfley]

Congratulations. It's so very hard to get to where one wants to be.

[Strizz]

Check out my hairy oil tub post, you know, just for fun. No pics of me hairy or oily.

http://sanctitysabbatical.blogspot.com/

[melbs]

oh, how i love visiting your blog. it makes me laugh. today, reading your blog...i laughed so hard that i blew snot from my nose!(mind you, i have a cold so, it wasn't hard to do). thank you for making me laugh!

[empressofdirt]

I just read that Katie Holmes is running in the NY marathon. I hope Logan stops to snap photos. lol.