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on July 1, 2020 · 4 Comments

Leaving The Nest

Union Glen condominium
Union Glen Condominiums

In 1998, my sister had just ended a relationship and moved back to my parents. I was still living at home as well. About the time she decided to come home, I was itching to find my own place. I wasn’t exactly sure where I wanted to go but I knew I wanted it to be close to my job and my parents. I had a good job and I was happy there, so I was more than ready to start the next chapter of my life. After talking to my parents about it, they suggested Patty and I purchase a house or a condo together. It turned out to be one of the best decisions we ever made together, as well as one of the happiest times of our lives. 

We started our house hunt, looking at houses first, and soon realized it would be too much for us to maintain. Seriously, I wasn’t interested in mowing any grass at that time of my life! Lol! So, we changed directions and started looking at townhomes and condos. We were adamant about finding two equally sized bedrooms and two bathrooms. That was our only real requirement.  

At the end of our search, we finally found the one we both loved. More importantly, both bedrooms were equal in size! The only real difference is the bedroom was mine had a Master bath attached. I think that as soon as we walked in, we knew this was the one for us. The condo was in a small complex, with only 24 units. Our unit was on the third floor. At about a 1,038 sq ft, the unit had 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, dining room, living room and kitchen. It also had its own laundry closet, which was perfect! We were so happy that we would have our own laundry room in our unit. 

As you entered our front door, you entered the living room. It wasn’t technically an open floor plan; however, the living room and dining room were “L” shaped, so it made it feel open and airy.  Off the living room, we had a small balcony. We were able to get a small table and two chairs, as well as a small electric BBQ grill. The unit was all electric but, honestly, it never bothered either of us. We had a really nice view of New York City as well. We really enjoyed our little balcony. 

Picture of our Condo Unit
Our unit was the top one on the right!

From the living room, you entered our small galley kitchen. It wasn’t updated with modern granite counter tops or new cabinets, but it was very well-maintained and we loved it. As small as it was, there was plenty of storage, counter space and a dishwasher. 

Kitchen picture inside condo

Another bonus with this unit was having attic space. At that time, I collected everything under the sun. I had so much stuff that I needed the additional storage. When we moved in, originally, we had to access the attic from inside Patty’s bedroom closet. My dad installed a better access with a pull-down attic ladder from our living room. It was so easy to get in and out of the attic any time we needed to store something. 

Kitchen picture inside condo

Once we made our decision on the condo, we were ready to make our offer. We were so happy it was accepted! We were able to move in shortly after. I must admit, Patty and I were a little sad leaving our parents, but it was just the next town over.  We knew we would be seeing them all the time.

Photo credit: Realtor.com
I wasn’t able to find pictures of our dining room, but this is similar.

Before we moved in, there were some updates we wanted to do. We painted all the rooms, ripped out the old carpeting, installed new carpeting, and did a little updating in the bathrooms. We had to purchase furniture, linens, some appliances and décor. Patty and I had so much fun decorating and setting up our little place. Once everything was complete, it was time to move in!

I honestly don’t remember too much about moving day, except one thing – all of us getting emotional saying goodbye when it was time for my parents to leave. We have always been very close. Even when Patty left our parents’ home the first time, we were all a mess.  Not that she moved across the country; it was, again, only the next town over. 

Picture of Patty and Justice sitting in our living room in the condo
Justice & Patty

Patty and I settled in nicely. Once settled, we added another roommate – Patty’s dog, Justice. When Patty decided to come back home, she had to keep her dog with a friend until we were able to take him. During that time, we had a very tiny poodle named Tiffany and there was no way we could have both living under one roof at my parents. Justice was a 95-pound Samoyed with a beautiful disposition and the best smile you’ll ever see on a dog. I was a little nervous at first because I never had a big dog like Justice but, once I got to know him, he was a sweetheart. He really adjusted to our new home very well and he was the perfect companion for both of us. 

Justice

We moved in around October, but Patty and I had already decided that once December came around, we would plan our first Christmas party! We invited our family and friends and squeezed everyone in to see our new place! It was a tradition that we kept in place for about the first five years we lived there. 

About the same time I was moving into the new condo, I met my husband, Gabe. Gabe eventually moved in once we got engaged. Patty got engaged, too, and our parents relocated out of New Jersey. We often joked that we were like the TV show “Three’s Company’s,” in a strange kind of way. LOL! We have so many fond memories of our condo and I was truly sad to leave it. Oddly enough, I seem to feel that way with every house I move out of. I guess I get attached to all the memories and it’s hard for me to let go. I just keep reminding myself, you take your memories with you no matter where you go. 

Picture of my family sleeping Christmas Day
Our Last Christmas at the Condo in 2007, they had no idea I took this picture.

In March of 2008, we sold our condo. Patty and Teddy were already looking for a house and Gabe and I began planning our wedding. We moved into an apartment in a two-family house for a short time before finding our home that we live in now. 

I will always remember the last time we were at our condo. Patty and I did one final walk-through, making sure we didn’t leave anything behind. I had tears in my eyes, but I tried to keep myself together. As I locked the door behind us, I said to Patty, “Do you want to take one more look?” She replied to me, “Oh come on.” She gave me a hug and said, “This will be good for us, you will see.” She was right. 

Union Glen condominium sign

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Filed Under: My Story Tagged With: Condo, condo living, home, home ownership

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Comments

  1. Christine Arnone says

    July 2, 2020 at 3:55 am

    Dear Joann, I remember when you both moved into the condo it was so nice
    & cozy too. You were right there were many good memories especially the Christmas parties they were the best. I’m so glad you both enjoyed living there
    and you both will always have those great memories.

    Love,

    Aunt Chris

    Reply
    • Joann says

      July 2, 2020 at 4:14 pm

      Thank you. I really miss it!

      Reply
  2. Louise Sharpy says

    July 4, 2020 at 6:28 pm

    Such a great story of your first place. Mine was always An apartment. I remember after I graduated , I lived in Illinois (only 2 years) my dad made fire chief , we were born and raised in Michigan. I miss the green. The trees , the lilac trees. Ah. I moved to sunny Az. I had a sister here and moved in with her and my bro n law. Soon , on to better things. Ha ha I worked for the phone company. Good ol Ma Bell. Then the 100 name changes it went thru. Ha ha. I stayed there 23 yes. Retired early due to my sickness lupus. And here we are !

    Reply
    • Joann says

      July 7, 2020 at 12:46 pm

      Hi Louise,
      Thank you for sharing! Arizona is beautiful too! I have been there several times, I love Sedona! But it is very hot 🙂 We use to have a Lilac Tree at my parents house, they have such a nice fragrance!

      Reply

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I'm Joann, a wife, a mom of twin boys (one of which is autistic and nonverbal), and welcome to my blog! Please make yourself comfortable, so I can share stories from my life, my mad addiction to beauty products and my love of all things Disney!

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lovealwaysjoann

Lovealways,Joann
There are many in the autism community who do not There are many in the autism community who do not like to use the word “challenging” when it comes to describing parenting their special needs child.  I am not one of them.  I’m not interested in sugar coating the “challenges.” I’m interested in sharing, learning, and educating about the challenges so everyone will have a better understanding of autism.  I’m also aware these can be perceived as bringing attention to the negative aspects of autism, and why not share more of a positive message.  My reason is simple, I want other special needs moms, dads, and caregivers to know they are not alone.  Early in Michael’s diagnosis I felt alone because no one else could relate or understand.  I know I’m not alone, but maybe there’s a mom out there thinking she is.  I don’t want anyone to feel that way.  I also understand, some parents worry about how their child would feel if they should ever hear or read that their autism was challenging.  I’m not insensitive to that viewpoint,  but I also think it’s important for my child to know how hard I tried to understand and how sometimes it was challenging.  I want him to know it wasn’t me complaining, it was me trying to work through this with him side by side.  Challenges make us stronger and help us hopefully grow in new ways.  My son is not challenging but his autism is.  Together we will face those challenges and overcome them.  #challenges #overcome #autismcommunity #learningeveryday .
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Decluttering - Every January, everyone you know is Decluttering - Every January, everyone you know is talking or working on decluttering around their house.  We’re cleaning out closets, garages and purging all the stuff we no longer need.  This had me thinking, wouldn’t it be nice to be able to declutter your mind? All the things that filled your mind all year long and did nothing but weigh you down.  Click a button and release it all! There is no magic button to wipe the slate clean but that shouldn’t stop you from trying to clear out everything that held you back in 2020.  In order for us to move forward in the new year, we need to stop looking back.  This is one thing I will be working on this year.  What about you? Is there anything you want to declutter from last year? #declutter #mindset #movingforward #bloom 
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For those of you who have been following me for some time, you know of my deep love for the coastal town of Positano, Italy on the Amalfi Coast.  Over the last several months, I've shared in my stories one of my favorite YouTube channels, @Nickipositano and the Instagram account of @Bluestarpositano.  Both of these women have shared their life in Italy during the Covid lockdown.  Not only did they share one of the most beautiful places in the world, they created a digital E-book,  a cook book called, "Our Positano Cookbook." The cookbook features recipes that Nicki and Elisabeth have made throughout the lockdown.  Nicki shares her family's favorite recipes and Elisabeth shows you  how to make pasta from scratch, something she tried with her daughters while on lockdown.  To celebrate, I'm giving away your own digital copy of their amazing cook book, "Our Positano Cookbook."
To enter: 
Follow me here on Instagram 
Like this post 
Share this post for extra entry. That's it! Giveaway will end Saturday at Midnight! Winner will need to provide email address, as the cook book will be sent directly to your email account.  Please be sure to checkout Nicki’s YouTube channel and head over to see Elisabeth @bluestarpositano.  Go give them both a follow and enjoy their daily posts of beautiful Positano! 

A special thank you to @Nickipositano and @Bluestarpositano for allowing me to offer their cook book as a giveaway! 
Thank you again and good luck! 
Giveaway is not sponsored by Instagram #giveaway #positano #autism #autismdad #autismmom #autismlife #specialneeds #mommyblogger #iloveitaly #amalficoast #italy🇮🇹
Lights out 2020! I never make New Year's Eve reso Lights out 2020!  I never make New Year's Eve resolutions, mainly because they never work.  Instead, I create new goals for the new year, it just works better for me. .  Everyone has had a different journey this year.  For many it's been very difficult and some were able to find moments of joy and happiness.  As you enter 2021, leave behind the battles of 2020 if at all possible.  Move forward  with an open heart.  Embrace whatever comes your way.  Learn, grow and most of all love one another always! ❤️ Wishing you all a Very Happy and Healthy New Year! Love always, Joann xoxo 🎉❤️😘🍷🍷#newyearseve #goodbye2020 #lightsout2020 #welcome2021 #lovealwaysjoann 
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#autism #autismmom #autismdad #autismfamily #autismawareness #autismacceptance #autismstars #specialneeds #specialneedsmom #specialneedsfamily #autismlife 
#littlestoriesofmylife #asd 
#sensoryprocessingdisorder 
#mommyblogger #autismblog
As we get closer to the end of the year, how would As we get closer to the end of the year, how would you reflect on 2020? How has this year changed you? For me personally, I feel that as hard as this year has been, it could have been worse.  In the beginning of March during the first weeks of the  shut down, I was not equipped mentally or physically to handle it.  I remember thinking and evening posting repeatedly, today was hard, today was rough, today was awful. Little by little, month by month, as I let go of so much that was weighing me down, things felt better.  Once I started focusing on my reactions to stressful situations, things felt calmer.  I can look back on it now and see how far I've come.  I can see how this year has helped me in adapting to change and reacting to it in a better way.  I've grown so much as an autism mom and feel more confident in my ability to parent more effectively.  It's made me more aware of the little things, the true importance of family relationships, and learning how not to sweat the small stuff.  I've never been able to accept my son's autism diagnosis.  And although, I may never get to a place where I can comfortably say, "It's okay that Michael has autism," I can say that I'm definitely in a more peaceful place.  The push and pull, the fight and flight aspect of my every day life as an autism mom, has just become something I am better at responding to.  My friend Blair @blairblogs posted her word of the year for 2021.  It really had me thinking and I finally figured out my word of the year.  My word is "Bloom." I have chosen this word because I've grown so much this past year as an autism mom, a wife, in faith and as a blogger.  I want to continue to grow, flourish and BLOOM!! #word #wordoftheyear #bloom 
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#autism #autismmom #autismdad #autismfamily #autismawareness #autismacceptance #autismstars #specialneeds #specialneedsmom #specialneedsfamily #autismlife 
#littlestoriesofmylife #asd 
#sensoryprocessingdisorder 
#mommyblogger #autismblog
On this day 7 years ago, I watched you take your f On this day 7 years ago, I watched you take your final breath.  Every day since then, I’ve tried to do my best to make you proud.  I’ve done my best to keep your memory alive in sharing stories all about you with my boys.  I’ve done my best to live a life filled with love, faith and honesty just as you did.  I feel so blessed that God gave me a mom as wonderful as you.  I miss you every day and  I wish I could hug you just one more time.  The warmth of memories with you fill my heart with love and glimpses of the joy that lives  in my heart knowing we will meet again.  Until then, I ❤️you mom. #imissmymom #grief #griefjourney #angelinheaven #moments #memories
Good evening friends! I hope you all had a wonderf Good evening friends! I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas with your family.  I really didn’t think I would say this but Christmas 2020 has probably been one of my favorites in a long time.  Yes, it was different and leading up to Christmas Day  didn’t quite feel like our normal Christmas season, but for me it was so much more.  For the first time since my mom passed away, my ❤️felt happy and Christmas was actually enjoyable.  As for my boys, Alex told us yesterday that this was the “Best” Christmas ever! I couldn’t agree more.  If you had a chance to see my stories earlier, this is the first year Michael was interested in his gifts and actually played with so many of them.  For me, this is something I have been wishing for since I can remember. 
I’ve been seeing a great deal of positive stories and accomplishments posted on social media today.  As wonderful as these stories are, I’d like to acknowledge anyone who feels less than celebratory this year.  Perhaps this year you lost a loved one, your job, business or simply lost the ability to hope.  It may have  been a year you would soon forget, but think of it this way, you’ve kept your head above water this whole time and that my friend is everything. ❤️#hope #christmasandautism #itsthelittlethings 
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#autism #autismmom #autismdad #autismfamily #autismawareness #autismacceptance #autismstars #specialneeds #specialneedsmom #specialneedsfamily #autismlife 
#littlestoriesofmylife #asd 
#sensoryprocessingdisorder 
#mommyblogger #autismblog
A very Merry Christmas from these two crazy boys a A very Merry Christmas from these two crazy boys and a very tired dog! I hope you all had a wonderful day with your family.  Merry Christmas friends!! Happy birthday Jesus! #christmas #merrychristmas  #christmas2020 .
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#autism #autismmom #autismdad #autismfamily #autismawareness #autismacceptance #autismstars #specialneeds #specialneedsmom #specialneedsfamily #autismlife 
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#sensoryprocessingdisorder 
#mommyblogger #autismblog
O Holy night! The stars are brightly shining It is O Holy night! The stars are brightly shining
It is the night of our dear Savior's birth
Long lay the world in sin and error pining
'Til He appears and the soul felt its worth
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn
Fall on your knees; O hear the Angel voices!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born
O night, O Holy night, O night divine!

Merry Christmas Eve from my home to yours ❤️🎄!!
#merrychristmaseve #oholynight
When I read this earlier today, it really describe When I read this earlier today, it really describes how I’m feeling today ❤️

Mom, 
When all the decorations are arranged upon the tree, that’s when Christmas memories come flooding back to me. The countless celebrations you lovingly prepared and all the Happy Christmases you and I have shared. I miss you every moment, Mom, since you went away and how I wish that you were here, to welcome Christmas Day. – 
All-great quotes.com 

I miss you Mom.  #grief #griefjourney #imissyou
The one when one of your brother in-laws isn’t a The one when one of your brother in-laws isn’t able to join us for Christmas and sends the family matching Snuggles! 😂🤣🤪 #christmasmemories #snuggles #giftstoremember #family #whatwashethinking
Hi Friends! I'm back tonight to share the last of Hi Friends! I'm back tonight to share the last of the tips and suggestions from the professionals in the autism community to help you through the holiday season.  I'm happy to introduce you to Michael's occupation therapist Kellianne K. Martin, OTD, OTR.   Kellianne has always provided us with great ideas and advice when we ask for help.  Michael loves her! She really gave us a lot of great suggestions and I hope you find them helpful.  Thank you Kellianne! 

1) If your child is easily visually overstimulated… limit the amount of holiday decor in and around your home.
2) If your child is easily visually overstimulated… consider either limiting the number of lights on the tree and/or ornaments
3) If you will be visiting a holiday light show… consider using sound canceling headphones if your child has difficulty processing visual and auditory stimuli simultaneously (this is especially true if you are in your car with music playing through a specific radio frequency- sometimes you are told to set your car radio to a specific station for the holiday music).
4) Ensure that both your child has “down” time prior to attending a holiday gathering (even if it is with family and friends that they are comfortable being around) as there is generally so much excitement and feelings of anticipation in the environment… but there can also be some other emotions being felt by the child or those around them.  Our children tend to pick up on something feels different but may not know how to interpret what is being felt.  
5) Allow for your child to wear a more comfortable outfit especially if they are more tactile defensive than another.  
6) If you are hosting the holidays at your home, this is not the time to introduce a new food to your picky eater… make sure that there is something there that you know they will eat.  If you are going to a family or friend’s home, you may want to consider bringing food items that you know they will eat. (Continued in comments)
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