As relayed by David during a recent trip with the girls to purchase me a small gift of one of my favorites – good ground coffee…
Jess: “Hey Papa, it’s a good thing for momma that there’s Starbuzz”
If Starbucks is in need on of new marketing campaign. I know a future junior staffer that might be able to lend a hand. :)
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Sunday, March 30, 2008
The Bricks & mortar anniversary
According to all the etiquette guides the 15th anniversary is suppose to be the crystal anniversary. But us this year, we’ve substitute bricks and mortar instead.
Yup, this is the “new home” anniversary for us this year. Today we signed the final counter offer. Tomorrow it's out to dinner to celebrate both, house & 15 years :)
If you’re curious as to how many of my personal wish list items we found in our new dream home, I’ve updated the list below. And here are few pics grabbed from the real estate listing. I think what sold both David and I most was the kitchen and den combo –lots of room to stretch, grow and entertain.
The Bricks & mortar anniversary
According to all the etiquette guides the 15th anniversary is suppose to be the crystal anniversary. But us this year, we’ve substitute bricks and mortar instead.
Yup, this is the “new home” anniversary for us this year. Today we signed the final counter offer. Tomorrow it's out to dinner to celebrate both, house & 15 years :)
If you’re curious as to how many of my personal wish list items we found in our new dream home, I’ve updated the list below. And here are few pics grabbed from the real estate listing. I think what sold both David and I most was the kitchen and den combo –lots of room to stretch, grow and entertain.
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Thursday, March 20, 2008
Homeless & Home Wishes
Well, we are officially homeless. David flew down to Charlotte yesterday and did the closing on our old home – It sold in three weeks. Unbelievable in this market – and without a mortgage to pay, I guess you say we really don’t have home.
We’ve started looking at areas and have a few a neighborhoods that we like. But we haven’t started officially shopping with a realtor yet (still have 4 months on a lease here). That should change next week after we check out a few that have been recommended to see which one we feel most comfortable with.
Since this is our 3rd home and we have sizable amount of equity to transfer, we’re hoping to find our dream home that doesn’t require a lot of updating. To start off the process, they always say that you should write down your “must haves” & “nice to haves” items. The funny thing in looking at mine, is that outside of a third garage, screened in porch and basement, my list perfectly describes the home we just sold.
I’m posting my list here so that I can reflect in year or so and see how many items we were to get vs those we choose to compromise one. David hasn’t done his list yet, so it will be interesting to see how we compare.
Don’t like:
Two story high windows that look out place
Developments lacking mature trees
Too modern minimalist interiors
White kitchens
Dark carpeting
Keep your fingers crossed!
Homeless & Home Wishes
Well, we are officially homeless. David flew down to Charlotte yesterday and did the closing on our old home – It sold in three weeks. Unbelievable in this market – and without a mortgage to pay, I guess you say we really don’t have home.
We’ve started looking at areas and have a few a neighborhoods that we like. But we haven’t started officially shopping with a realtor yet (still have 4 months on a lease here). That should change next week after we check out a few that have been recommended to see which one we feel most comfortable with.
Since this is our 3rd home and we have sizable amount of equity to transfer, we’re hoping to find our dream home that doesn’t require a lot of updating. To start off the process, they always say that you should write down your “must haves” & “nice to haves” items. The funny thing in looking at mine, is that outside of a third garage, screened in porch and basement, my list perfectly describes the home we just sold.
I’m posting my list here so that I can reflect in year or so and see how many items we were to get vs those we choose to compromise one. David hasn’t done his list yet, so it will be interesting to see how we compare.
| Must Haves: 4 bed rooms/ 2.5 baths 3000 + sq feet Kitchen/dining/family room combo Walk in closets (master) Large master suite Basement 3 car garage (side load) formals (dining and living) Wooded natural area on property * (Note: Not as big as we had hoped) Well maintained neighborhood Laundry room Gas cook top Fireplaces Nice curb appeal Modelings, details and character Stone/brick front | Nice to Haves: Cherry cabinets & granite countertops Whirlpool bath Hardwood floors High ceilings (tray in both master & dining) Master on 2nd floor Finished basement 2 stairs |
Don’t like:
Two story high windows that look out place
Developments lacking mature trees
Too modern minimalist interiors
White kitchens
Dark carpeting
Keep your fingers crossed!
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Friday, February 22, 2008
I love this handwriting...
I love this handwriting...
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Saturday, February 16, 2008
Just an update
It’s hard to believe it’s only our 2nd full weekend here in Columbus for it feels like we grown a mountain in just the short time we’ve been here. The girls are doing great and are adjusting well, but we still have our moments and often time I think this move is much harder on David and I then it is on them.
It’s difficult to begin to even feel a little bit settled knowing that we will moving again in less than four months, but this week we made progress by selecting a bank and opening up new accounts. At the moment Westerville is looking promising and offers several home communities that look attractive and offer the amenities we’re used to. But sticker shock is hitting me a bit… not from the home prices, but rather from the taxes associated with them. The average tax rate for homes within the range we’re looking at run anywhere from 6-9,000 a year. Even divided by 12 it’s a heavy amount to add on top of a house payment – ughh!
Anyway, it’s a learning process for sure and we’re trying to remain patience knowing that it takes time for things to feel comfortable. On the positive side, we close our old home on Thursday and I have sneaking feeling that will also mean that we will start working with realtor next week.
Just an update
It’s hard to believe it’s only our 2nd full weekend here in Columbus for it feels like we grown a mountain in just the short time we’ve been here. The girls are doing great and are adjusting well, but we still have our moments and often time I think this move is much harder on David and I then it is on them.
It’s difficult to begin to even feel a little bit settled knowing that we will moving again in less than four months, but this week we made progress by selecting a bank and opening up new accounts. At the moment Westerville is looking promising and offers several home communities that look attractive and offer the amenities we’re used to. But sticker shock is hitting me a bit… not from the home prices, but rather from the taxes associated with them. The average tax rate for homes within the range we’re looking at run anywhere from 6-9,000 a year. Even divided by 12 it’s a heavy amount to add on top of a house payment – ughh!
Anyway, it’s a learning process for sure and we’re trying to remain patience knowing that it takes time for things to feel comfortable. On the positive side, we close our old home on Thursday and I have sneaking feeling that will also mean that we will start working with realtor next week.
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Moving
I’ve broken into tears at least a dozen times today … Sorry I need a break. Here I go again.
[crying break]
Ok, I’m back. I feel a little bit better, but still awful all at the same time. Moving sucks royally. It’s not the packing up and moving the house part I hate. It’s the moving that you need to do within your heart as you realize that those people (extended family, friends and neighbors) who have been always been your (& your family’s) mainstay, support system and daily social life all wrapped into one, won’t be any longer. Yup (sorry tears again. All I can say is if computer screens could be smudged and smeared by tears, you would have given up trying to read my gobbly mess back at my opening sentence.) Moving clearly s.u.c.k.s.
The girls have been handling the pending move remarking well. But If my continued breakdowns are any indication (btw: I’ve been really pretty good about staying forward looking up until now) then the next three days are going to be an emotional tsunami for all of us. I’m just glad the girls left early today for a sleepover at Mac & Cam’s house, because I could tell I was at my tipping point and really didn’t want my loosing it to cause them a swell of anxiety as well.
The packers and moving van come on Monday and tonight David and I are going to go out for dinner alone at a favorite haunt one last time. Last night was a hockey game with many friends from the girls' school (note: Mondo wrangled a lovely farewell message for us on the huge screen “St. Pat’s wishes the ______ family the best!”, but I missed seeing it when I took Jess for a potty run) and the night before that 20 girls from Katie’s class (& parents) had a big pizza party at Brixx. Yes, the social calendar has been busy getting in lots of good-byes.
Anyway… the good news is the house in under contract (it took just three weeks, so we are pleased). The bad news is that I’m not particularly enthralled with who the potential owner is (a single guy who’s 26. Still can’t figure out how a 4 bd room house in a family oriented neighborhood seems right for him. Note: I asked, he’s not enagaged. Nuff said ) but I’m trying to learn to separate my heart (with is so tied this home) from my head and just be happy that it’s sold.
I think David thinks that my tears are because of the house, but they’re not. It’s because I’m leaving great friends. It’s true our life has been blessed while we have lived in this home. But it’s not because of what’s been between the foundation and walls. It’s because our lives, while living here, have been warmed significantly by so many amazing friends.
Moving
I’ve broken into tears at least a dozen times today … Sorry I need a break. Here I go again.
[crying break]
Ok, I’m back. I feel a little bit better, but still awful all at the same time. Moving sucks royally. It’s not the packing up and moving the house part I hate. It’s the moving that you need to do within your heart as you realize that those people (extended family, friends and neighbors) who have been always been your (& your family’s) mainstay, support system and daily social life all wrapped into one, won’t be any longer. Yup (sorry tears again. All I can say is if computer screens could be smudged and smeared by tears, you would have given up trying to read my gobbly mess back at my opening sentence.) Moving clearly s.u.c.k.s.
The girls have been handling the pending move remarking well. But If my continued breakdowns are any indication (btw: I’ve been really pretty good about staying forward looking up until now) then the next three days are going to be an emotional tsunami for all of us. I’m just glad the girls left early today for a sleepover at Mac & Cam’s house, because I could tell I was at my tipping point and really didn’t want my loosing it to cause them a swell of anxiety as well.
The packers and moving van come on Monday and tonight David and I are going to go out for dinner alone at a favorite haunt one last time. Last night was a hockey game with many friends from the girls' school (note: Mondo wrangled a lovely farewell message for us on the huge screen “St. Pat’s wishes the ______ family the best!”, but I missed seeing it when I took Jess for a potty run) and the night before that 20 girls from Katie’s class (& parents) had a big pizza party at Brixx. Yes, the social calendar has been busy getting in lots of good-byes.
Anyway… the good news is the house in under contract (it took just three weeks, so we are pleased). The bad news is that I’m not particularly enthralled with who the potential owner is (a single guy who’s 26. Still can’t figure out how a 4 bd room house in a family oriented neighborhood seems right for him. Note: I asked, he’s not enagaged. Nuff said ) but I’m trying to learn to separate my heart (with is so tied this home) from my head and just be happy that it’s sold.
I think David thinks that my tears are because of the house, but they’re not. It’s because I’m leaving great friends. It’s true our life has been blessed while we have lived in this home. But it’s not because of what’s been between the foundation and walls. It’s because our lives, while living here, have been warmed significantly by so many amazing friends.
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Saturday, January 26, 2008
Christmas
It’s been a crazy December full of packing, house and school hunting and trying to get the house ready for market. Not my ideal way to spend the holidays, but the good news is despite all the craziness we did manage to get the tree up and gifts wrapped.
Tonight the girls unwrapped their ceremonial Christmas eve gift (we open gifts on x-mas day) of new pajamas. The unwrapping didn’t go quite as I hoped… Katie frumped around (she was hoping the gift was going to be a stuffed animal) and Jessie gave me a sour puss look, but both girls cheered up after a good tickling.
It’s hard to believe that this is our last Christmas in the Carolinas. Next year at this time, we will hopefully be settled in a new home and beginning a few new traditions, as well as continuing the old… and I would bet the entire contents of my Santa stocking... that the girls will probably frump again next year when they open their ceremonial x-mas pjs. :)
Merry Christmas!
Christmas
It’s been a crazy December full of packing, house and school hunting and trying to get the house ready for market. Not my ideal way to spend the holidays, but the good news is despite all the craziness we did manage to get the tree up and gifts wrapped.
Tonight the girls unwrapped their ceremonial Christmas eve gift (we open gifts on x-mas day) of new pajamas. The unwrapping didn’t go quite as I hoped… Katie frumped around (she was hoping the gift was going to be a stuffed animal) and Jessie gave me a sour puss look, but both girls cheered up after a good tickling.
It’s hard to believe that this is our last Christmas in the Carolinas. Next year at this time, we will hopefully be settled in a new home and beginning a few new traditions, as well as continuing the old… and I would bet the entire contents of my Santa stocking... that the girls will probably frump again next year when they open their ceremonial x-mas pjs. :)
Merry Christmas!
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Monday, December 24, 2007
A twist on tradition
According to this blog's records, the girls and I have been building holiday gingerbread together since 2003. But this year, I decided to depart from the traditional a bit and opt for a tree instead.
The results look pretty good, don't ya think?
A twist on tradition
According to this blog's records, the girls and I have been building holiday gingerbread together since 2003. But this year, I decided to depart from the traditional a bit and opt for a tree instead. The results look pretty good, don't ya think?
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Saturday, December 01, 2007
Snow Anticipation
The thought of living in snow country has both girls anxious to christen the sled we bought nearly two years ago, but yet haven’t had the chance to use. Oh, it snowed a bit here in the Carolinas last year, but not long enough to stick to the ground and bring the sled out for.
So when I told the girls the other night on the way home that someone in Columbus had told me they had light flurries, Jessie piped up with this …
“Wow, I didn’t know God sent a little bit of that to Columbus, yay!”
On a related note… we’re off to the buckeye state this week to go school shopping and house hunting. It figures mother nature would choose this week to open her fridge. :) Wish us luck.
[off to pack and search for mittens ...]
Snow Anticipation
The thought of living in snow country has both girls anxious to christen the sled we bought nearly two years ago, but yet haven’t had the chance to use. Oh, it snowed a bit here in the Carolinas last year, but not long enough to stick to the ground and bring the sled out for.So when I told the girls the other night on the way home that someone in Columbus had told me they had light flurries, Jessie piped up with this …
“Wow, I didn’t know God sent a little bit of that to Columbus, yay!”
On a related note… we’re off to the buckeye state this week to go school shopping and house hunting. It figures mother nature would choose this week to open her fridge. :) Wish us luck.
[off to pack and search for mittens ...]
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Friday, November 30, 2007
Grateful
This Thanksgiving I have a lot to be grateful for. I have a healthy family, loving daughters, good friends, a career that has blossomed this year beyond my wildest dreams, and a new job to look forward to. But without David none of this would be possible.
Over the past several months, the word “thank you” has been quietly spoken to him on more then multiple occasions and each time I say it, I know that I am the luckiest woman in the world. To think that in less then six weeks, we will be moving because of my career and my opportunities and that he is always 1000% behind me means more to me then anything else in world.
It’s true, marriage is partnership, and as such my career success is as much his as it is mine … the only difference is that he doesn’t get written up in magazines and news papers, get to go and speak in Australia and Germany, or get Mover and Shaker award. Instead, he’s happy and secure enough to just share in my success and I guess that’s why I love him even more.
He is my “better half” - of this I have no doubt. So, this Thanksgiving, I’m eternally grateful for just being married to him.
Thank you David.
... archives
Grateful
This Thanksgiving I have a lot to be grateful for. I have a healthy family, loving daughters, good friends, a career that has blossomed this year beyond my wildest dreams, and a new job to look forward to. But without David none of this would be possible.
Over the past several months, the word “thank you” has been quietly spoken to him on more then multiple occasions and each time I say it, I know that I am the luckiest woman in the world. To think that in less then six weeks, we will be moving because of my career and my opportunities and that he is always 1000% behind me means more to me then anything else in world.
It’s true, marriage is partnership, and as such my career success is as much his as it is mine … the only difference is that he doesn’t get written up in magazines and news papers, get to go and speak in Australia and Germany, or get Mover and Shaker award. Instead, he’s happy and secure enough to just share in my success and I guess that’s why I love him even more.
He is my “better half” - of this I have no doubt. So, this Thanksgiving, I’m eternally grateful for just being married to him.
Thank you David.
... archives
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