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May 07, 2007
Bit by Bit
I'm finding that after the insanity of the past week, I'm having to digest everything - all the great news and bad news - in tiny little bits. If there's one thing I've learned about myself, it's that I'm easily overwhelmed and I can't take on everything at once.
The only problem with this bit-by-bit method is I can't quite predict which bit is going to hit me at what point. Like yesterday, I went to Target by myself. One minute I'd find myself so giddy I was teary-eyed because I found the perfect tablecloth to match the walls in our new dining room. The next minute, when I'm not distracted by some pretty piece of merchandise, I would find myself teary because I was thinking about Paula. And then I made the mistake of going shopping for Mother's Day cards, which always makes me weepy.
In other words, I'm in a constant state of being on the verge of tears at any given moment, and for many, many reasons. But I'm dealing with it.
Toddler time helps. Sunday night we babysat the 21-month-old son of a friend. It's hard to be teary from sadness when there are two little ones, running amok, filled with giggles and squeals and snuggles.
I'm starting to allow myself to get excited about the move. The contract for the sale of our house is in our hands. Today, the buyers conducted their professional inspection. While the inspectors have to give us the results via our real estate agent, they assured us that things look good. This was the biggest hurdle between selling the house and closing. The news that the house really isn't a crapshack has lifted a weight.
The contract on the house we're buying became final today. As of June 14th, we're out of the Redneck Jungle and into our new house, in a new neighborhood and new town. I keep looking around whenever I'm driving around our current neighborhood, expecting to feel at least a little sentimentality, but all I feel is complete, absolute relief that we're finally on our way out.
The new house: It's a 1920s brick bungalow. Corner lot, huge covered front porch, beautiful brickwork, trees, picket fence, two-car garage in the back, big yard.
It's one story, even though we assumed we'd buy a two-story. Granted, it's got a wonderful finished basement, so essentially, it's two stories of living space. Considering that most of the apartments I lived in were basements, it only seems right for me to return to subterranean life.
The main floor - restored hardwood floors, gorgeous original woodwork, an arched front door with leaded glass window, fireplace with a beautiful mantel in the front living room. Down the hall, there are two bedrooms and a bathroom. Straight ahead, a big, orange dining room with a single leaded-pane French door leading to the kitchen, where there's a floor-to-ceiling built-in china cabinet.
Have I told you this? I honestly can't remember who I've told what.
The basement's family room is 13'x28' with a wet bar and exposed brick walls. There's a huge spare bedroom, which will also house my desk although I'll most likely finally be getting my laptop once we're moved. Next to the spare room, B.'s office, which is around the corner from a big utility room and a tiny bathroom.
That's right. A bathroom. We were in such a rush when we looked at the house last January that we completely missed the second bathroom.
And yes, as many of you suggested in the comments, it's a better fit than that house we were sure was meant for us. It's a bit smaller, which is fine. I mean, considering that last week we misplaced our cat for several days in our 970 square foot house, it's highly possible that, if we lived in that 2200 square foot house, we would misplace our kid. Overall, though, it just feels better. As much as I adored the other house, we also knew a lot of work would be involved to fix it up. In this one, once we fix a tiny bad spot in the fence, we should be able to move our stuff and simply start living. I can't begin to describe how wonderful that sounds.
This house doesn't feel like settling. The whole time we were looking at it on Thursday, I wasn't overwhelmed by its charms. I just wanted to sit in every room and snuggle in. I guess it's akin to the difference between infatuation and true, solid love.
I get to live on what's claimed to be America's longest Main Street. I can't even begin to think of how idyllic that seems.
So, it's all sinking in. I know all of this probably reads rather numbly, and it will for awhile because it's going to take awhile to process all that's happened in the past week. But I'm getting there.
Posted by Robin at May 7, 2007 10:55 PM
Comments
amazing that this house was still there, just waiting for you to claim it. true love, indeed. also? ramble away. you've had quite a bit to process lately, and it's your blog, after all.
Posted by: robiewankenobie at May 8, 2007 07:21 AM
Hey! I live on my city's main street too!
This new house really does sound like a charming bungalow - not a bit of crapshackness, pretend or not, to it. Just the words "floor-to-ceiling built-in china cabinet" made me swoon a little.
I can't be more thrilled for you. Can't wait to see pictures. You and B and Clara Jane deserve this wonderful new home.
Posted by: Dixie at May 8, 2007 07:25 AM
The house sounds wonderful - especially the porch! (I'm a porch addict.)
And June 14th had better be good to you. It's my birthday and it's always been a good day to me, so I know you'll have a good move. If nothing else, the words "No More Crapshack" should put a lift in every day between now and then!
Posted by: liz at May 8, 2007 07:50 AM
The house sounds perfect for you guys. When I read this part:
"Straight ahead, a big, orange dining room "
I had to laugh! No "sugar cookie" or "biscuit crumbs" or whatever that off-white color is? :-)
I love older homes....think of all the life they've seen. And you guys get to add to the memories there. Many best wishes!
Posted by: barbara at May 8, 2007 07:50 AM
Brilliant!!
It sounds lovely. Hope you're all VERY happy there.
We're selling my house too at the moment (fingers crossed, it's only been on a week or so...) - started looking at houses to buy. First one looked great from the details but as soon as I walked through the door I saw all the work that needed doing, it had a VERY depressing feel about it (although the newer extension didn't feel it... the old cottage bit though was icky feel) plus it was overpriced. I told the agent (after giving the house a thorough lookover - I gave it a chance...), it was a no. I could NOT see us living there.
We have another to look at tomorrow lunch - same road - on the seafront and cottagey, but a lot lot cheaper, and apparently has had 'things done'. I had a peer in the windows after looking at the other one today - it looks a little better inside but we shall see.
Dang house selling and buying is stressful isn't it!
Posted by: CJ at May 8, 2007 11:57 AM
It definitely is an up and down process isn't it? One minute your high the next minute your down. I know Paula's death hit you hard, death isn't easy, online relationship and 3D are equal now. Enjoy the new house, and thank god the crap shack has sold.
Cassie
Posted by: Cassie at May 8, 2007 12:30 PM
I'm behind, too, but wanted to pop over and say thanks for your good wishes on my blog.
I'm sorry about Paula. Selling a house and preparing to buy a new one and move is ALWAYS emotionally tough, but then add something like this to it and: dude. SUCKS.
Looking forward to hearing about how great the new place is.
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