home

If you haven't guessed by now, today's post will encompass everything that is my "home." Contrary to popular belief, we don't actually live in Phoenix proper. We live in Tolleson, which is a small farming community outside of Phoenix. And really, I should preface this all by saying that Phoenix is huge. Like, whoa huge. It's basically the size of Cuyahoga County in Cleveland. In the above photo, the buildings and what-have-yous behind the charming "Welcome to Tolleson," (all snapped whilst driving) is actually the official slaughter house for all of the In-n-Out Burgers in Arizona. Peeeeerfect. It took us a while to figure out exactly why it smelled like, well, cow and cow bi products for a very long time. In-n-Out, while completely and utterly delicious and fresh (obviously) has chosen our small community to do it's dirty work, if you will. This results in foul a gag-worthy stench that is most potent in the wee hours of the morning, and late at night. Lovely, I say.

We live at the corner of South 92nd Drive and West Williams Street, which I realize means nothing to you all, but it's a very nice little community

Because we live in a brand new housing development, we can enjoy such luxuries as a quaint little park. This is just a stones throw, literally, from our front door. It's perfect for walking the dog, and long walks at night (and only at night, it's simply too hot during the day...)

Ahh, yes, our home. 9212 W. Williams. Really, this is an Arizonan cookie cutter home. They all look like this. Our development is quite nice. We are one of a few "families" that are not Mexican in our neighborhood. But, as we like to say, they're "classy Mexicans." And we love them.

We, no lie, keep the thermostat at 80 degrees. 80 freaking degrees. For those of you know know me, you know that my personal thermostat does not tend to run cool. I'm usually hot. And when I get hot, I get cantankerous. And I live with two of the most cold-blooded people on the planet. Luckily for me, 80 degrees feels cool when the temperature outside is 110. But, it's been in the 90's lately, so it's not as refreshing as I would hope. I'm thinking this will stay on 80 through the winter as well. (as a side note, I think it's very frightening that I'm beginning to need a sweater for the mornings when it's 70 outside. Who would have thought 70 would be cold to me?!?!)

I leave you with this final picture of my sleeping situation. No, your eyes do not deceive you, it is a twin mattress on the floor, with a comforter. I'm too po' to buy a big girl bed yet (although I'm being very good with my saving strategy). It suits me just fine for now, although I can feel that my back is starting to revolt.

You may continue the rest of the tour of the house by going here

As for living with Kristie and Nanette, it's actually working out quite nicely. We all get along really well, and they're fun to be around. I was telling myself yesterday morning that if I didn't have them, and if I was living on my own, I would certainly be back in Ohio by now.

Miss you all and love you more!