Startender Apothecary

WHEW!!

Halfway there! Next up, order a rollaway dumpster and get this mess cleaned up. 😬

Nova used to bite her bed and Storm would always sleep belly up.

Tell me why he's trying to make up for them being gone. 😭

Either way, I was glad to have his company this week as I started another (2nd) job and have been BUSY. 😵‍💫

All good things! (More to come). 😁🥰

Demo Day ONE. 😮‍💨😷

When we moved in, we knew we had some problems in the partially finished, gigantic basement....

We mitigated for radon, ripped out moldy panels and started unpacking.

When Helene hit, we had multiple spots where water was coming up through the floors and seeping through walls. We noticed mold on the floors too. I ripped out wet drywall and insulation and set up a better dehumidifier.

We decided since we want to fully finish the basement, we should install a sump pump. Unfortunately that means taking everything down to the studs and then some so we can do it the right way to make sure the basement is as moisture free as possible.

The last owners did a crap job with the drywall, and we didn't like the added walls - so in an effort to save money, we decided to do the demo ourselves.

We have one month to rip out ALL drywall, insulation, studs, EVERYTHING. We have a company coming in to trench out the basement, put holes in the cinder blocks to allow for drainage and install a sump pump that will drain outside. They'll also be installing an additional electrical panel and outlets since our current one is full. 😬

Once that's completed, the hubs & I will redo all the drywall, insulation, and paint ourselves. Then a newer, fancier drop ceiling with canned lighting and new flooring. When I start making money again, we'll save up for (permits permitting): a full bathroom, tiny kitchen, bar with a game room and spare bedroom.

I'm SO excited to begin this project. It'll likely take us several years to complete. Once finished, we'll have so many options between renting out the basement, housing family members, or just enjoying our space knowing we increased our home's value.

We've been so broke this past year it's been hard to get our hopes up about projects, vacations or dreams - so today felt really good.

Don't forget to dream. Even if it seems unrealistic, sometimes your brain needs positivity and imagination. 😊🤩♥️

My son isn't great at controlling his emotions.
(My child, shocker.)

So when we got our dog's ashes today, he cried, a lot.. Then he decided to draw a sad picture to help him deal with it. 🥺

I'm so flipping proud of him.

I reminded him that sadness comes in waves. It's important to acknowledge and hold space for these emotions so we can heal.

It's OK to be sad. It's OK to cry. It's OK to tell others you're sad. And it's OK to be fine one minute, sad the next, and then fine again. Grief is hard. 💔

We packed up most of the dogs' beds, toys, food, etc to either store or donate. I just couldn't look at them without crying.

Today I couldn't find my emotional support dude and I was panicking working in my office alone today without Nova. Found him ready to work and was so grateful. Then he jumped into Nova's bed (I left it there for Scratch). He didn't move the entire day. 🥺😭

Even the flipping cat is sad. 😩

If you had told me in November I'd lose both my dogs before the age of 10, I would've said, that's rude. In December if you'd told me they'd both be gone in three months, no way, no how.

It just feels so surreal, so unfair, so cruel.

I'm finishing a book that talks about how you have to lose your old life to start your new life.

Well..... In the last year I lost my favorite car, moved out of my favorite house, lost both my dogs, even my boss moved out of state. I chopped my hair and embraced the gray, decided to focus on my health hardcore and put moves in play to hopefully set myself up for success for long term goals.

I won't give up. I may cry some more, but I'm due for a comeback. 💫♥️🫶

Today was absolutely gut wrenching as we had to say goodbye to our little girl Nova. 💔 It feels completely unfair and awful, and then having to tell our kiddo crushed us. 😭

We spent the last three months spoiling her rotten with love and food, hoping for a miracle. She lost 14lbs total and between cancer and pancreatitis she held out as long as she could.

She was the sweetest, smartest, best family dog ever and I'm so grateful she was a part of our lives.

This is the first time in 20 years I've been without a dog. The house feels so empty. I'm gonna miss my lil co-worker and shadows.

Our lil shooting star....hopefully she's giving both Brooklyn & Storm a hard time. 💔💫🥺

Almost three years ago we moved to NC from CO.

My husband and I both lived in Denver for over 15 years. It's been a struggle to feel settled here in WNC but we're finally getting there.

Next week we are visiting Denver for the first time since our move and I can barely contain my excitement to see all of our favorite people and places!!

Eeeeeeeeeek!!!

See you next week Denver! 🫶🫶🫶🥰😁

My Christmas Cactus is bloooooming! 😍😍😍😍

She is the happiest camper and perking up the entire sunroom. 🫶

Riley likes to try and watch TV from the bathroom through the windows while he's p**ping.

He doesn't like it when the cat watches him p**p though. 🤣🤣🤣

Weirdos.

My kiddo decided to decorate my plants with Legos. 10/10
They belong to the plants now.
🤩😍🥰

Ok, who took the heart of Te Fiti?
It's not too late to put it back....MN is mad.

My heart aches for the many, many families who have lost their homes due to hurricanes, fires, snow or floods... because I know deep down, it's just going to get worse. 😢

Today, I am grateful for companionship.

Though I fear her days are numbered, I've grown to giggle when Nova follows me all around the house. She is the sweetest little girl to have ever happened upon our family.

My spirit animal on my toes, he gives me all the feels whenever he graces us with his presence. He's the most purrfect emotional support animal I never knew I needed.

Continuing to practice becoming the person I want to be.. ❤️🫶😘