December 19, 2005
Update on Keith's work schedule: After some finagling, the details of which I am not privy to, the schedule has been revised, and now nobody is working on Christmas.
Huzzah!
We got a few gifts in the mail today, all unexpected, which of course are the best sorts of gifts. Two were from Keith's brother and sister-in-law in Washington state; they came already gift-wrapped and have been put aside to be opened on Christmas morning. And then there was also a huge package from Harry & David from our realtor, of all people. It had a little card in it saying how much she enjoyed working with us, and wishing us a happy new year in our new home.
We have got to get her a gift card or something.
Speaking of the new home, it's still in pretty good working order, and no massive flaws have revealed themselves since we moved in. We need to cut back the large tree -- my visiting brother-in-law, he of the forestry degree, informs us that it is an American elm -- that overhangs the roof, and there's a little piece of siding on the gable that should be popped back into place, and oh, about a dozen other little things, but nothing major, luckily enough.
Our front room still has no furniture in it. It's looking slightly less clinical these days thanks to the Tower of Pisa-like Christmas tree taking up most of the northwest corner, but apart from the tree, the only thing in the room is a bookshelf overflowing with books, and a bunch of half-unpacked boxes. I have never before been in a situation where I have more house than furniture. I kind of like it. I assume that eventually we'll acquire enough stuff to fill the space, but in the meantime it's groovy, thinking idly about what sorts of furniture we could fill that room with. It's a totally empty room! We could do anything! We could put in a mini-bar! Or a sunken hot tub! We could install an awning on the front and turn it into a hot dog stand! THE OPTIONS ARE LIMITLESS!
Ahem.
Anyway, probably what will happen is that eventually we'll get a piano and stick it in that room, and maybe an armchair next to the bookshelf. Then as space allows, perhaps a hot tub. Maybe.
Posted at December 19, 2005 9:22 PM
Posted by: Erica at December 20, 2005 2:21 PM
Thanks for the advice, but our realtor, in addition to helping us find a house, is a genuinely nice person that we enjoyed spending time with. We're aware that she earned money because of us, and that's not the point. I want to send her something as a token of appreciation for everything she did for us. We feel she really went above and beyond.
Besides, it's Christmas, and it's nice.
Posted by: Jan at December 20, 2005 5:06 PM
I'm glad you want to buy her something. I don't like obligation gifts, and I misinterpreted your tone is all. My apologies.
Merry Christmas!
Posted by: Erica at December 21, 2005 5:21 PM
No big whoo! This is what happens when you write entries in 15 minutes between madly indexing and chasing small children around the house...
Posted by: Jan at December 21, 2005 5:54 PM
Unless your realtor is also a family member or friend whom you'd present a gift anyway, you shouldn't send her a gift card. She earned money from your sale, and she's sending you a gift so that y'all will use her again in the future.