November 5, 2005
The thing, it is done.
As of 1:30 PM yesterday, or so, we are officially homeowners. My God! It's... full of stars!
Do I feel any different, knowing that I have a gigantically huge loan attached to me and invisibly following me around wherever I go, much like a large menacing hot air balloon? Well, not really. The whole thing still feels a little bit surreal. We've been living in rentals -- somewhat crappy rentals, at that -- for so long that it's hard to believe we're about to be moving into a house that has windows that actually close, electricity installed more recently than 1950, and up-to-date appliances. Cool up-to-date appliances, too! The previous owners are leaving behind the flat-top range and the massively gigantic refrigerator, which is approximately twice the size of our fridge and presumably has actual drawers inside. And which will most likely not blow the fuse every time it kicks on and the microwave is also in operation. We're living the high life, people.
Much remains to be done. We have to finish packing up all the stuff here at The Tenement, reserve a moving truck (why no, no we will not be using U-Haul, thanks for asking), and transfer all the utilities to the new house. Well, all the utilities except for gas, as the new house has electric only, no gas. Bad for our skin (dry heat), but great for our heating bill. I've read in various places that the cost of natural gas is supposed to go up anywhere from 50% to 100% this fall and winter. This will affect us not a bit.
We're compiling a list of stuff we need to get for the new place, ranging from the immediate (second shower curtain; washer and dryer) to the more remote (lawn mower; extension ladder). We want to paint the family room ceiling before we move in, and Keith is en fuego to steam clean the carpets. Yes, yes, there is much to be done. So expect to see a lot of updates from me in the next few weeks. Because nothing motivates me to do journal entries like the prospect of a lot of really tedious work.
We're homeowners! I told Keith the other day that I think we've now done most of the major relationship stuff together. He thought for a minute and then said, "Well, neither of us has seen the other through rehab or bailed the other out of prison, but basically yeah."
That's my baby.
Posted at November 5, 2005 4:56 PM
Posted by: Heidi at November 5, 2005 5:16 PM
the double garage doors as cool, as we only have one big one. my husband is always saying i am parking on his side, blah blah blah!if we had two doors like you guys, i could say, "but i drove through MY OWN garage door, how could i be on your side?!?"
congrats! you will really love celebrating the holidays in your own house.
remember to find an out of the way place to put the marks that show how tall your kids are. that's something the kids will always remember!
Posted by: lee at November 5, 2005 5:40 PM
Congratulations! The house is beautiful.
Posted by: Janice at November 5, 2005 6:56 PM
WOOO SPANKYHOUSE!!!!
Congrats. :) We'll be invading somewhere around Christmas, btw. Hide the china and all that. Bwa ha ha.
Posted by: carolyn at November 6, 2005 12:40 AM
Yay, new house! It looks lovely. Congratulations!
Posted by: Mary Ellen at November 6, 2005 1:20 AM
Welcome to the wonderful world of home ownership! :)
Posted by: Kay at November 6, 2005 10:28 AM
Congratulation on home ownership! It's a great feeling!
Posted by: PattM at November 6, 2005 7:38 PM
Awesome!
Congratulations on the new digs - your own digs!
Posted by: Athena at November 6, 2005 9:56 PM
Many happy congratulations on your OWN HOME! You deserve every square foot of space and every decent drawer and closet you get! I wish we were closer and could help you paint, or at least loan you all our painting equipment.
It looks like the perfect house for your family. Great job!
Posted by: bibiana Powell at November 7, 2005 12:10 AM
I am so happy for you both. No one deserves this more than you guys. Much love from me + Mars.
Posted by: Sara at November 7, 2005 1:21 AM
Congratulations! The house looks lovely, I hope your family enjoys many years of happiness there.
Posted by: Dreama at November 7, 2005 4:22 AM
Looks like you'll be a lot more comfortable this winter! Congrats!
Posted by: John Powell at November 7, 2005 10:56 AM
It's gorgeous, congratulations!
Where I am, electricity bills are also going way up due the the increased natural gas costs. My answer to that was to have my normal half a cord of wood delivered, for cozy evenings in front of the fire. ... is that a chimney there in back? You may also have that option.
Posted by: themis at November 7, 2005 12:28 PM
I am so proud for you guys. Way to Grow!
Posted by: Terry at November 9, 2005 4:23 PM
what a terrific house! ohmygosh, the mailbox even rocks. congrats.
Posted by: christine at November 11, 2005 8:02 AM
Kick-ass house! It's gorgeous and so big. Perfect for raising your family in.
Posted by: Lana at November 18, 2005 3:20 PM
Let me be the first to congratulate you! Wohoo!!! I'm thrilled for the whole family! The house looks wonderful and BIG! Can't wait to see more pictures (hope you'll post some). Moving sucks, but moving into your OWN HOME is SO much more thrilling.