The year 2004 began, as every other year does, on January 1st.  By this time, Wade was well into the process of replacing items lost in the fire of 2003. The new items included a computer, a set of antique dining room chairs, and assorted books and CDs. “I actually like some of the new stuff better than the stuff I had before,” she was overheard saying to one of her friends.

     However, in the spring, an unexpected turn of events put an end to the almost weekly shopping trips. Wade’s landlord (actually, the landlord’s boyfriend) called to say that they were putting the house up for sale.

     Having moved in less than six-months before, and really, REALLY not wanting to move again so soon, Wade made an offer on the house.

     But, then, in a stunning move, the landlords, after setting a price that Wade had matched in her offer, suddenly asked for more! “That’s it!” exclaimed Wade in utter disbelief. “I’m outta here!”

     So, with a good six-months left on her lease, Wade set about searching for a home of her very own. Weekend after weekend, with a trusty map by her side, Wade drove from house to house, looking for the perfect place to call home.

     It was during this time that the aforementioned “bad” break occurred, so much of the driving had to be done with one hand. “Think it’s easy driving a stick shift with one hand?” challenged Wade. “Just try it and see how you like it!”

[Reporter’s note: Despite the on-going controversy over the severity of the break, Wade refused to elaborate on exactly how it happened. However, anonymous sources indicate that it took place at a softball game. They cite witnesses who describe Wade’s actions that day as “shamefully clumsy.”]

     Cast on hand, Wade’s house hunting continued into late June. Then, one Sunday, after another frustrating excursion, Wade returned home and checked the latest listings online. “And there it was,” she recalled. “What looked like it could be the perfect house.”

     It so happens that this possibly perfect house was just a few blocks away from where Wade lived. So, she got back in the car and drove over there one-handed to take a look. She liked what she saw, so she called her realtor to set up an appointment for the next day.

     Long story short, Wade bought the house, covering the down payment with insurance money she received from the fire. She closed the deal on July 30, 2004.

     Wade enjoys living in her new home. “The ironic thing,” said one friend who spoke only on the condition of anonymity, “is that she bought the house for less than what the landlords wanted for their house. Plus, it’s bigger and has central air.” Another acquaintance added, “Yeah, and the landlords never did sell their house. They wanted too much for it. They ended up renting it to a family who moved in just days after Jen moved out!”

     For the past few months, Wade and her Pomeranian KT have been busy settling into the house. Walls have been painted, several carpets have been replaced, and lots of things have been fixed. “KT adjusted well,” observed Wade. “Because she’s blind, she walks into the walls a lot and leaves nose prints all over them. But, she has found a favorite spot in the laundry room, and sleeps there while I’m at work.”

     Speaking of work, it’s been an exciting year at WNEP-TV. Wade played a key role in the design and launch of WNEP-TV’s new 7:00 PM newscast. She has now returned to her preferred shift—producing the 11:00 PM newscast—and recently signed a new three-year contract.

     “Now that I have a house and job security, I look forward to spending all of 2005 in one place,” Wade said as she crossed her fingers for luck.