I wasn't going to post this because it feels like a brag and that's not usually how I roll, but...

I wasn't going to post this because it feels like a brag and that's not usually how I roll, but I should be able to post the things I'm excited about to my own page. I can't keep it a secret forever, anyway. So... We're having a pool installed. It should be ready by the upcoming summer and I'm pumped about it.

We've been researching the pros and cons for months and we finally signed the contract last week, as well as picked out the pool, cement, and cover colors.

The weather here is usually beautiful (even in the summer), but this past summer was pretty hot.  We mostly stayed indoors and that is not something I've done since we left Alabama.  Not to mention that Shaun keeps tweaking his back somehow and could use a gentle form of exercise (well, we all could, really).  Kira was asking for a pool before we moved so we're sure she and Shadow will make good use of it.  We're also pretty sure that Cub likes to play in the water, as well, because when we lived in Talladega he would go splash in the pond across the road.  So we are getting a pool with a small splash pad in case that's all he wants to do, although he'd be perfectly welcome to full-on swim if he wants to.

So that's some news that I've been sitting on for a bit.

I'm pretty excited, but probably not for the reason you'd think.  Yeah, I'mma put on my little floaties and get in there, too, BUT... there has to be at least a 4-foot concrete sidewalk around the pool... and if you know me then you already know I'm going to be skating on that.  (The pool comes with an automatic cover that can hold a grown adult, so don't be worried about me falling in.)  After the pool is done we'll have to do a bit of work in the yard, but I'm excited for that because we're also putting in a swing set.  Not a crap one - one that me and Shaun can swing on.  Yeah, the pool will be fun in and of itself, but SKATING and SWINGING, too.  OMG!

I know - I'm still a kid inside and I don't even care. 😜

I already feel like our home is better than anything I ever dreamed I'd have.  It feels like a palace to me.  And with the updates we're doing outside I'm just in shock that I could possibly love it more.  But here it is looking like that's going to happen and I'm excited.  I think the hardest part is going to be getting through the pool construction.  I already love my yard and I think that seeing it dug up is going to hurt a bit, but that part is temporary.  At least our grass is fake, though, so it's not like we're going to kill it.

The only big reservation we have is about being the people who get a pool... in the desert.  But they are gaining popularity here and the value it will add to our house if we ever decide to sell makes it seem like a smart investment.  Plus, we should be living our best lives, too.  I have a hard time accepting that sometimes because shit isn't fair and I know so many people who struggle, but it's not like we're the billionaires hoarding the wealth of the country.  Why does wanting to add a healthy and fun thing to our yard and add value to our home make me feel so damn guilty?

Haha.  I guess this didn't end as the fun, happy post it started out as, but overthinking is practically a hobby for me and if I can possibly feel guilty about something I WILL DO IT.  (I need therapy, I know.)  But yeah, unless something goes wrong and construction can't be completed for some reason, we'll have a pool in time for summer next year.  Yay! 😁😬