Because I Don't Have One
Published on April 22, 2006 By pseudosoldier In Home & Family
There's this room in the back of my apartment. Currently, there are a great number of things in there... about 6 long boxes of comic books. Boxes of HeroClix figures and collectible card games. Piles of clean clothing... one pile of dirty clothing. A dresser. A pile of shoes and boots.

But there isn't a bed.

I've been sleeping on this couch for I-don't-know-how-long. It's not completely uncomfortable; it's a good couch, and I guess it's only about a year old. I remember when I got it. Okay, maybe it's a year and a half old. I remember when SPC Egregious helped me move it from on post to the house we were renting (not me and Egregious; we've never lived together). The house has a 45 degree angle to the driveway, and there was no way to back the truck up it... toting all that crap, *especially* the couch, was rough. It was easier when SGT Whitebread and I (he was just a wee bairn of a SPC at the time) moved my crap here to the apartment.

I don't think I'm getting a bed any time soon. I'm going to have to pay out about $900 for some furniture for my kids (far more important than anything for myself), so I'm reluctant to spend more on furniture until I get some of my other bills under control. Plus... sleeping on the couch is a reminder that I don't have an ideal life. In some ways, I'm punishing myself, although really the couch isn't that bad.

And, hey, it's my couch now. I'll sleep on it if I want to.

It's better than the floor.

Comments
on Apr 22, 2006

If I could do one thing for someone, it'd be you and I'd get a bed for you.

I was "bedless" a year and half ago,  I tried different organizations to no avail.  One number I was given I called not knowing who they were.  Turned out it was the head guy for organizing relief for disasters in our area.  He contacted a church and they bought a bed for me.

Is this a possibility for you?  First call for help numbers can usually get you to a group, church, or someone that will help you! 

Good Luck

on Apr 22, 2006

Never underestimate the power of a bed with clean linens and a nice pillow.  It not only helps you get a good night's sleep (which helps you get a different perspective on stuff) but it also offers you a place of solace and comfort.

I'm not even going to touch the 'I'm punishing myself' statement - you know why.

That's all I have to say 'bout that.

on Apr 22, 2006
Actually, I had been hoping to be TDY en route here, so I could stay at the local AF billeting. It'd be paid for, it's not bad, and it has that nice 'transitional' feel to it that I want to hold onto for some reason.

My head hurts like crazy today, but I'm not sure that's because of the couch.