Halloween, Life Changes: Kannapolis Move.Maidservice Job.Monkey Biz.Aimee Memoriam
So, this year's Halloween didn't suck! James and I made the most of it and went for broke, and I was all too happy. :D He dressed as his charming Renn Faire peasant self- a la Hugh Terwillinger, a cartographer and world-travelling storyteller. He had a rust-colored peasant shirt with dark blue vest, and poofy, loose black pants that portruded from his black, suede leather knee-high lace-up boots.
I was in a purple Victorian dress with black frills & swirlies. To compliment it, a pair of purple with black, swirly, glittered faerie wings, my hair in pigtails, a purple feather atop my head, and black and purple stripey tights with small, laced up ankle boots.
Hmm... if I remember, maybe I'll dress up with him again and post pictures so I may properly illustrate our attire. We didn't have enough time to go trick-or-treating as I'd hoped, but we DID hit two haunted houses- one in Charlotte, the other in Gastonia. Neither were incredibly scary, but it was fun. I think the biggest reason for that was because sudden frights were ruined by the fact we had to go in decent-sized groups, and James and I were last in line both times. So each fright hit the front of the line, and then we just followed. The other thing that ruined it was they tried too hard to keep the group moving, in a way that made it clear they were just doing their job, and not as much the sort of way like "I'm gonna GET you if you don't hurry UP! BUH HAhaha!" I won't lie though, I did get startled a couple of times. *grin* Most of the time, when an actor heckled me, I'd just jokingly heckle them back and made spoOooky sounds and mocking remarks of fear. Still, throughout, I clung to my sweet Mapmaker to guide me along the treaturous path. *smile*
James, in his current attire, brought back so many strong, loving feelings within me. I couldn't remember seeing him in his Faire getup since we'd first fallen in love the year we took part in Ren Fest 2005 as street actors. Getting out like this for a long time had also become a rarity, and I was wildly grateful to have made the most of the evening. Halloween was, after all, and is, my favorite holiday of the year. I'd been looking forward to it for a good couple months in advance, taking stock of what costume items I could grab while still widely available, particularly from Morris Costumes.
In light of these feelings, upon our return we made love, and I felt something beautiful return to and blosson within me. A renewal of sorts, in our relationship. It was a grand feeling, indeed.
This month has brought to light a good many things. Life changes, in fact.
My friend, Sherry Carlton, whom I know through Billy Cathey (who I first met at UNCC Anime Club), gave James and I an unbeatable deal on a house she'd been trying to sell. It originally belonged to her husband Charles. Here is an e-mail I sent to Peggy (a la Monkey Business) that pretty well sums it up. Peggy, also dealing in real estate, has been keeping a lookout for me for possible housing we might be interested in.
"Fwd: Near Uptown - 100% Financing Available
carolinaagent@aol.com
to me
show details Nov 7 (3 days ago) [Keller Woods 10-06-08.jpg]
Hi Val
Here is a condo that you might want to look at getting. James could probably get the loan
Attachment:
Hope you are well.
Peggy
PS- I have been really, really busy
For Floorplans & Community Information go to:
www.OakmontHomeBuilders.com
Oakmont Home Builders 2630-D S. Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC Office: (704) 366-2800"
My reply:
"Valerie Miranda
to carolinaagent
show details Nov 7 (3 days ago)
Hey, Peggy!
Thank you so much for keeping us in mind! We've been looking around, and nearly considered an Eagles Woods apt before we heard it was an unpleasant area. It's a shame, because the apt layout looks really nice from the layout at a reasonable price.
http://www.eaglewoodsrent.com/floorplan.html , the 1 or 2br with den.
But it looks like we'll be moving to Kannapolis. We got an unbeatable deal from a friend I've known through my friend Billy, Sherry. Her husband Charles used to own the house they're wanting to rent out (to possibly have owned) in order they might catch up on their own finances. Sherry has always been very good to me, and I'm happy to throw money at someone I actually know than some corporate so-and-so. The deal was originally $500.00 a month, but after I offered my maid services, she knocked it down to $300.00. I couldn't ask for better. o_o; It's a 2-bedroom, fenced-in backyard, with a loft that runs upstairs and over the 1-car garage. The concrete brick & wood loft feels like an old treehouse or barn little kids could run around and play hide-and-seek in, has a certain old charm to it. I think the house does too. Has that old, musty smell to it, and you can tell it was built long ago. Funny, I prefer that to a brand-new manufactured sort of place. Something that has a good bit of history to it, that you can feel it.
Still, Sherry and Charles fixed it up a LOT. New floors, paint, carpet, counters, etc. I can't wait to put a little bit of my own love into it with James, and you can come and add that special Peggy touch if you like! It would mean a lot if a bit of your spirit was added in there. ^_^ <3 I can't wait to show it to you, give you the two-cent tour. It's about 15-20 min from the University area, off Dale Erndhart rd. The Kannapolis-Concord exit off 85.
Make no mistake, wherever I am, I'll always be your Monkey if you'll have me.
I hope you're doing well too! Brian tells me that you've been working hard on this Nintendo thing [edit: Wii promotion in Concord Mills Mall] while still tending to Monkey Business, even though he's been your main man with consolidating scads of information, contacts, and talent. I told him we should double up and play games in costume while people pass and ask why "these people are wearing funny costumes". This would be a fun and easy way to promote and pass out business cards. What do you think? Brian and I are both totally for it. We had an exceptionally nice meeting tonight at Subway. I'm really glad you have someone like him at your side. He seems like a good guy, I'm pretty impressed. Been through some pretty hard knocks, but a strong survivor with a lot of skills and contacts, because he's had to in order to get by. I have a lot of respect for that.
I'm excited about tomorrow's balloon animal gig, though I still have yet to get the information from Colleen (Brian has had technical issues). What can you tell me about the Fall Festival, anything? Brian said originally you were going to do something for it, but you had some other engagement to attend to. What will you need help with? What's my role in this? What -is- this Fall Festival thingy anyway?
Don't burn yourself out, whatever you're up to. I love you. Take care of my Peggy, ok? Don't be a stranger. I have lots still to share with you. It's been a long time since we've talked. Tried to call yesterday just to see how you were, left a message.
Valerie <3"
That pretty well sums up my new housing situation and new job in connection with it, as well as the new management Monkey Business is now under. That would be "Brian", whom I'm coming to love and respect for his quick-witted directness, yet laid back, friendly approach to gathering those needed together. He really makes me feel secure as a whole unit of talented individuals, each with something unique to offer clients who call in seeking varied forms of entertainment. I like that. I'm eager to see what "The Future of Monkey Business" will be.
In other news, James and I got a used Playstation 2 at GameStop for 60 bucks. The games were pretty inexpensive as well, also used, but no less brilliant. We've been playing on it hard the past couple nights. So far we've rocked GrimGrimoire, Katamari Damacy, & Chaos Legion. It's been such a hot topic of the utmost glee, I feel like we've borne a lovechild or something. James is a TOTAL Gamer geek. It's insane, and insanely cute, I can't help but delight in whiling away the hours with him solving elaborate puzzles, exploring character plots, fantasy worlds, and hack-slashing monsters with great zeal!
On a not-so-happy note, my old chow-german shephard dog, Aimee Darlene Miranda, fell ill suddenly last night and was declared dead today. She was my sweet, fluffy red puppy and "Darling Friend". I've had her since she was found wandering around Northwest School of the Arts on Beatties Ford rd, the school I attended for both my Middle and High school years, so I'm not entirely certain when it was, or how old she was. She lived a good, full life though, so I don't feel too bad. Her birthdate into my life was February 13, the day before Valentine's Day. ^_^ <3 How fitting. She will be missed.
