Friday, June 02, 2006

Attaining the Dream

We are homeowners, now. Our house looks nothing like this one. (btw, Honey says I should credit the pics I include, so this is from kellybradford.com) But I do love the wraparound porch on this one. And what better way to convey the American Dream of homeownership than the white picket fence?

We haven't moved into the new house yet. I'm looking forward to it, though. Not the moving, just the being there. Rearranging the household budget has made me nervous, but the truth of the matter is that the house suits us and we can grow into it. (Fingers crossed.) The backyard is smaller and not really dog-friendly per se, but as babydog is more of an indoors dog and only goes to the back to do her bidness and to splash in the puppy pool, I think she'll do alright. We're closer to some large common yard areas for her to runaround and do off-leash training in, anyway, at the new place. The front yard is tiny, too, but as I just like a few flowers and not much yardwork, it's perfect for now.

I find myself both happy with this purchase and terribly frightened, now. I've had a few "oh shit" moments and I'm sure I'll have more in the coming months. I told Honey, that though I'm excited about the house and I feel like it was ultimately a good decision, I can't help but feel scared shitless about it. It's funny, I remember feeling a little daunted about married life in the first few days of our marriage: that waking up, looking at Honey and thinking, "I can't believe I actually DID it." But for as nervewracking as the decision to marry is, I feel like our relationship and Honey himself are far more reliable than any house could ever be. Hence, some of the morning after, buyer's remorse for the house. I think moving into the place will be good for me though - will help me get over it.

Buying this house has been good for me in other ways, too. This year has brought several emotional highs followed immediately by lows for us personally, not to mention it seems like my friends and loved ones, or their loved ones have been having significant health problems. Oh - and I'll hit the big 3-0 this month. So focusing on purchasing this house has kind of been a pleasant distraction from the little defeats the year has brought. (Not that 30 is a defeat. Frankly, there's victory in aging, right?)

After the move-in, I'm hoping we open a bottle of some great wine. Something red. Mmm. Just the thought makes me fuzzy with yummy happiness!

4 comments:

Not with a bang but a whimper said...

I like that wrap around deck, too. After you move in, Katie and I will have to visit. I know I've been saying that for years. Since I got my passport it's hard to travel domestically.

We're building a deck on my house. It's nothing like that, though. It'll be a three tier deck following the slope of my back yard. I'm excited; it should be nice.

Not with a bang but a whimper said...

As an aside, for me the big stress in buying a house was the fact that, typically, it's hard to make money off a house unless you stay in it for 5+ years - and that's a long time. I knew the house I was getting wasn't my dream home but I knew it was a better investment than putting money into renting. The time went by quickly, though, and it paid for itself long before I've gotten the itch to move/upgrade. Also, despite this, I was surprised by how comforting that sense of "home" and permanance was. I love being able to rip out a wall (or do any number of upgrades) without having to ask someone's permission.

Virginia Gal said...

I love the new house!!! I think it is perfect for you and the family (dog, cat, husband). I really see you guys enjoying it, InshAllah bringing in another tiny family member in the future who will use the adorable blue/yellow kiddie room.
And thanks for reminding me that as my 3-0 birthday nears, it is not a defeat, though I do think if I'm nowhere to being married in January, a suicide watch should be commenced : )

JoeinVegas said...

I was going to say how beautiful your new house looked, but I am sure that your real one will be just as nice.