(((((((((((( dear Deli! )))))))))))))

>>> ..... i just cant stand being in the same room as one, even if it is dead. ....... i've been known to go to sleep on the couch instead of having to re-enter my room while there's something in there that i know of.

sounds fine to me.

>>> BUT the point is that i even did it. i'm so proud of myself.
You should be proud of it - you did GREAT!!!

BTW, screaming during and after is permitted. I was picking up twigs in the front yard one cold early spring morning, and a little garden snake rose straight up out of the ground right next to my hand. I found out how easy it is to scream just like they do in the movies.

>>>i would gladly pay $200 for someone to take away a dead rat.
For that kind of money you can get someone to do whatever is necessary to keep them away (sonic emitters, poison stations, etc), and they'd definitely take away any casualties should you ever see any. I have this kind of contract and if I had to choose between that and health insurance, I'd have to think a long time which to give up!

Good for you! Yr T will smile to hear this story you are getting stronger!