A sigh of relief...

Typically after a long relationship ends, there are a series of relationships that follow where they either just don't go anywhere or you use them to work out your inner problems. There is nothing bad about that because they all give you a chance to explore who you really are and what you really want out of a relationship. They also give you a chance to learn a few things for when the "right" person comes along.

When my ex and I broke up almost a year ago last year, I have to admit that I felt fairly numb inside. To add to that, I felt like I didn't know what I wanted, what I needed and asked if I should just give up in general. I continued on my plan to move back to Denver, to get back to something that was familiar. Was I ready to come home, no. I was, in a way, forced to because I had already quit my job and was not fully able to afford going to grad school in NYC.

So I got back here, dated a couple of people - or rather went on a couple of dates with a couple of people. Then, I met Chris.

Chris is a great guy with a lot of potential. He just doesn't know it yet. Things started slow, which was annoying at first, but looking back it was the best thing that could have happened. We would see each other two or three times a week. But there were small things that started to pop up that would make me question just how into the whole relationship he was. I never met any of his good friends. He flat out refused to meet most of my good friends. We always had to do things on his schedule and on his time. My suggestions were often ignored or brushed aside. Small things here and there. This made it difficult for me to give me all.

Well, it ended up not last because I grew to realize I needed something more significant, more long-term. He was not up to that - at all. So we mutually parted ways.

I was upset, like anyone should be after a relationship ends. But I quickly realized that I learned something that I thought was impossible after the year I've had. I learned that I do, in fact, want a long term, deep relationship where I can pour my entire being into something and someone. I also realized that there is nothing wrong with me and who I am. I have my quirks, like we all do. But there is nothing wrong with being a little OCD when it comes to certain things.

In the end, I learned a few things about myself, which I only have one person to thank.

Some wood, a little stain and a lot of patience

So I built a coffee table. Yes, you read that correctly, I built it with my own two hands. I have to say, for being a bit rusty on the powertools, I did a pretty good job. It wasn't as hard as I thought either. Now, that is not to say that it is an award winning table, but it will hold your coffee cups and magazines you never read with at least some style.

These are a couple of photos that I took while in the process of buying my supplies. I started off at Lowes thinking I could find everything I needed in one stop. I was wrong. Surprisingly, they didn't have a lot of what I was looking for. So a second trip was needed to Home Depot.There I found the rest of the supplies, including the table top. (This would be a good time to admit that I bought a pre-manufactured table top. Judge as you wish).

I began cutting and drilling holes and screwing wood screws into the table. I know for future table making, I am going to use thinner joints than I did on this one. (I ended up having to go back and buy longer screws because of it.) I was able to secure the inside boarder using a guiding piece on the inside of the table. That saved me from screwing directly into the table top so many times. I was kind of afraid I was going to pierce through the top! Thankfully, I didn't.

Next, it was time to attach the legs. It involved me drilling holes through the pieces already attached to the table top and through the legs themselves! Well, I am glad this isn't making an entry into a contest because I got a little sloppy. So, note to self - triple check where you are drilling your holes and make sure you are using the correct drilling bit before you make saw dust. But don't worry - you can barely see the holes once I filled them with putty. Now for some stain!

So, because I built this table for a friend of mine, he got to choose the finish! Great choice! Look at how well it stuck to the wood! That is just the undercoat. The photo at the very top is the top look and there is another photo below that shows a close-up of the table top. And look, you can't even tell I drilled holes into the legs!!

Once it warms up, I am going to be building a lot more. Next on my list is a coffee table of my own and a couple of side tables. I am also thinking of making a night stand, but that might have to come much later. Stay tuned!