Finally.

I'm a homeowner!

Signing the last of the paperwork!

Receiving the key to MY house!

As soon as the deal was done, Amanda and I headed over to the house to begin a full-scale cleaning. Soon after, my dad, brothers, and friend, Tom came over to install two ceiling fans for me. Saturday, the moving began.

My dad and half brother, Zeth, taking a break.

k-k-k-kitchen

master bedroom (Does this mean I'm the "master"?)

Being the neighborhood rebel by installing an American flag.

Jeremy, replacing smoke detector batteries.

My table-less dining room.

Guest bathroom

Master bathroom. Cleaning this room was a test of my gag reflex.

Didn't turn out too shabby.

Since taking these pictures, I've painted my front door and half the kitchen. Being able to grow six inches would really make painting much easier. Anyone know of a way I can do that?

I've also met a neighbor. Or, what I thought was a neighbor. I was taking Pippi for a walk yesterday and this dude with a little dog asked if it was ok if our dogs meet. I was hesitant, but Pippi didn't bite his face off. SCORE! Dude then asked if I just moved in and told me that, "this is actually my ex-wife's dog". Oh. Umm. Awesome? I'm glad I didn't tell him which house I moved into.

Today I'm exhausted, but I get to wake up a half hour later than I used to for work, and my drive to the bus lot is probably all of three miles. That's about 20 less miles than I'm used to. I'm looking forward to not having to fill my gas tank up once a week!

Watch out

Guess who's buying a house tomorrow!

Abs and idiots

Today is day 1 of our ab workout challenge! Alyssa and I decided a while ago that we needed help in.. umm...this area. I'm also making Emily do it with us. Just because. She recently registered to run the Hartford Half in October, so I felt the needs to torture her with these ab workouts too. Plus we have the same first name so I'm pretty sure she'd do the same if the tables were turned.

Today's workout (Thanks, Pinterest)

I hate ab work, but I really really need it, so I'm looking forward to (hopefully) getting a stronger core. It's supposed to help with running, too, and since I plan on PRing the shit out of Hartford, I'm going to need the strongest core possible.


And onto my next newest obsession.

Since I'm going to have a completely different financial situation soon, I've decided that I'm going to rely on Netflix instead of getting cable. At least for now. In all honesty, I typically only watch Netflix, Hulu, and DVDs anyhow. I have an obsession with Investigation Discovery shows. I don't know what it is, but something about crazy things happening to people (whether they deserved it or not), is fascinating to me.

My newest find

Currently I've been watching Fatal Attractions. The people in this one all deserve the things that happen to them. The description of the show goes a little something like this: Fatal Attractions seeks to understand why some people risk their lives by having tigers, crocodiles and other dangerous animals as pets.

Yes, Tigers. TIIIGRRRRS! One dude housed a 500-pound tiger in his New York City apartment. Another fella let his "pet buffalo" live in his house. Then there was the lady who was killed by her very poisonous pet snake, which she let roam her home. She'd been bitten by a snake previously but wasn't poisoned, so she thought it meant she was "becoming immune". You know, until she died a violent, painful death.

Sketch a dude's neighbor drew of him after he was eaten alive by his pet lizard.

I think it's funny that you always know if the owner of the animals was killed by the animal or not, depending on who they interview throughout the show.

Haven't you always wanted a pet bear that outweighed you
by 400 pounds? And has sharp teeth? And is known for killing
things??

There was a kid whose grandfather owned a tiger and would feed it by going inside its cage. When the kid was small, he'd play with it like it was just a pet cat. He actually said in an interview that, "I didn't really realize they are as dangerous as they are." Again, it was a TIGER! People are such frickin idiots, but it sure makes for great TV!

"Oh nothing. Just chillin with my WOLF DOGS. I bred 'em myself."

The saddest thing about this show is that these people keep so many of these animals as "pets" to keep them from being killed, but when someone is killed by an animal, they then kill the animal! Oh, you have 23 lions on your property and one of them killed you? Yeah, we're going to have to kill them all. Just to be safe.

Because you are a MORON!

You never do know what's going on at your neighbor's house. It's actually legal in NC to have a tiger as a pet. One of the most ridiculous things I've ever heard. There is actually a Carolina Tiger Rescue organization in the town that I live in currently. So very ironic.

To end, I wanted to share something that blows my mind. And makes me want to cry.

My SIL can haggle better than yours

This weekend involved a lot of freaking out and buying expensive things for the new house.

After long last, a bottom freezer (woohoo) fridge with a dent
in the side (aka-half price) has been ordered!

Saturday I went mattress shopping and Amanda came with me.

I was hoping his confidence would be good luck.

As soon as we got in the door, I realized why I wanted to just order a bed online. You walk in the door and *BAM* they're on you like a tick on a hairy armpit. Dude was not understanding the fact that I was on a strict budget and couldn't afford a $700 mattress no matter how awesome of a deal it was. Then the woman, who I suspected was the manager, came over and said, "sit on this one". It seemed comfortable enough but again, $700. When I was looking at the price and frowning, she assured us she was going to fix it. She brought us to the back and showed us that the bag for the box spring was ripped open and that she could give me that and the mattress for $399. Amanda kept telling her, "That's still not in her budget" and then turned to me and asked, "could you do $350?" I could see the wheels in her head turning. When I made a face to $350 like...ehhh maybe? The lady told us, "I"ll tell you what. I can give both to you for $299". SOLD!

Guest room, meet your new bed.

Now I'm trying to decide if I should put the $700 mattress in my room instead and put my current mattress in the guest room. What would you do?

While we were there Jeremy and Amanda decided it was a good time for them to buy a new mattress. After going around the room, they decided on one and, while Amanda went to work out the payment, Jeremy just had to make sure he really wanted this one.

His life is rough.

How's the packing going, you ask?

Yeah, not amazingly.

Although I did make and mail some orders for my shop and the first vacuum, made a few bracelets for Kari, bought some more home things, freaked out a little a lot, and constructed some cheap, homemade coasters for the house.

No weekend is complete without a useful craft project.

It was a nice break from the freaking out.

FOUR DAYS!!!!

Writing this felt awesome.

Hello Reggie,

I have a concern that I need to address about the appropriateness of one of the spin instructors: Brie. I'm thankful that, before I took one of Brie's classes, I'd already taken a couple of spin classes with other instructors, or I may not have gone back. I have not broached this concern earlier because, as she mentions several times in every single class, she has graduated and I assumed she would no longer be teaching classes. I have to say that when I saw her on the schedule for Summer spin classes, I was extremely frustrated.

Every one of Brie's classes involve her talking the entire time (no, that's not an exaggeration) about her personal life and asking us about ours. I don't go to the classes for social hour or to listen to her talk all about her personal life, which basketball games she's gone to, the "adorable new wedges" she bought, etc. I also don't go to "work off my emotional eating". I graduated college eight years ago and no longer have room in my brain or tolerance for stories of fraternity parties. Even though most of the classes seem to be made up of about 90% college students, I feel like most of the participants feel the same way that I do. I've left her classes early before because it was just too frustrating.

The things I appreciate about most of the other instructors is that they are professional, in that most of their interactions with the class involve form on the bike, posture, technique, etc. I feel that perhaps a conversation with Brie about keeping the spin classes about spin and keeping her personal life out of the classes, would be worthwhile.

Thanks for your time,
Emily Hinkle
Graphic Designer
School of Government


BAM!

Pinterest is such a troublemaker

Last week Kari posted a picture to Twitter and asked for someone crafty to make it for her.



Since I'm just so darn good at following directions (and I'd posted the same picture to Pinterest the day before), I decided it seemed simple enough and ordered the supplies. Because Kari is awesome, she decided she'd rather have silver instead of gold.

Last night I got to work on these suckers and realized there was a learning curve (and I am the definition of impatient). After all, it's been years since I've made a friendship bracelet. Prototype #1 is a bit iffy and may or may not have my blood on it. Also, it took way longer than it should have, but I'm convinced the rest will go much smoother. Even though this one isn't awesome, that didn't stop me from wearing it today.

Call me crafty.

Today is also finally the day I get to measure for my fridge!

I had to borrow this. That's a problem.

Today is also...

It's that dreaded time of year once again.

It's ok Mom. If you bomb you can stay home with me!

The best thing you will see all day

The internet is my best friend.

I may or may not be adopted

My new phone background.

Yesterday I got back on my workout wagon. An hour on the elliptical and 15 minutes of weights and I feel so much better today! Since I have six family members coming in tonight to stay at the house, today's workout is going to be extremely detrimental to my sanity. As will Saturday's and Sunday's workouts. No one in my family works out so I'm pretty sure they all think I'm adopted. It's for everyone's good that I do it though.

My sister-in-law, Amanda, graduates with her Associate's degree in Nursing tomorrow, so I'm taking the day off work (that's also why all the family is coming into town). I don't think, when I graduated college with my Bachelor's degree, I got a big party, so I'm going to pretend the big party tomorrow night is also for me. That's normal, right?

When I graduated, my family was thinking this.

So, check this out.

TWO WEEKS!

I finally have the majority of things on my to-do list complete and I have an appointment for a walk through of the house scheduled for this upcoming Tuesday morning. What I don't have is the money that I'll need for closing, as I don't know yet how much that will be. Thankfully, my mom has said they will help me out with it.

For those who don't know, I mentioned yesterday that I need to measure before I can buy a refrigerator. No, all refrigerators are not the same size! I swear to you, I'm not a huge idiot. I've done lots of research on the subject. I do lots of research before I freak out about such things. Usually.

One more thing that I have to share because it's just too awesome. I took an online survey yesterday and did a double-take when I got to this question.

I really wanted to click "other" but I couldn't decide what my "other" gender should be. I wasn't feeling clever yesterday.

Progress...SIKE!

Although, the last few days have instead punched ME. Jerks!

Maaaaan...long time no talk. I've been quite the slogger (slacking blogger). I totally made that word up, in case you couldn't tell.

Since we last talked, I found out that I now need to buy a refrigerator for the house because the dude who lives there is taking the one that's there with him. All this time I was being told the fridge would stay. 

So, to make a long story short, I've been in contact with people at the Home Trust to get a floor plan to measure for the fridge and furniture. I've also been in contact with the property manager to schedule a walk-through. After many attempts, today....Progress!

Oh, and yet, there are no dimensions for the fridge area. *womp womp*

Mom, are we ever gonna move?

So the fridge will have to wait, but yesterday I ordered a vacuum! Of course I got it on sale, though. That's how I roll.

What do you think? Is he a Bob or a John?

My workouts have been completely slacking because of all the junk in my brain. I can't wait until it's over. SIXTEEN days! At least, that's as long as I can get all the things on my to-do list done by then. 

On a lighter note, this happened this weekend.

I'm special.

Also, Hallmark gets the award for "most ridiculous thing I've seen in a long time" award.

Really? REALLY?...............REALLY??

Why must cards be so specific? Do you know how difficult it is to find cards that just say "parents" instead of "mom and dad"? I've got four parents; two of which are stepparents. Come on, Hallmark. Step up.

Have you done something fun this week, like buy a vacuum?

Name my vacuum!

My second job

Yesterday I received another email with a 2-page list of things that I still need to do prior to closing (in 22 days). After congratulating me on signing a contract, it went on to say:

Our sales team works to represent the interest of the Home Trust –not you or our seller. For that reason, this may seem like a second job with all the calls, meetings and documentation you will be responsible for. This hard work and all the time and energy will be worthwhile once we hand you the keys to your new home!

Excuse me for saying so, but motherfucker! Can we just close already??

I tried punching the list but it didn't go away.

Yesterday I had all intentions of going for a run after work and then after receiving this list and because of the fact that it was 91 degree outside, I decided to take a nap. Some people deal with stress by eating. I sleep. In college it worked wonders. Until I ended up losing ten pounds and the only thing I did was sleep, workout, and study.

I decided yesterday that this whole thing is like conducting an orchestra; making sure everyone is on the same page and working toward the final, perfectly conducted, goal.

YOU! Play nice!

My friend Terrell said it's like they just want to make sure I really want it. It's still a mystery to me how there are so many morons out there who own houses.

OH!!

UPDATE: I sent an e-mail earlier today to the Home Trust to ask about a few things I didn't understand from the checklist I received and it turns out some of them are things they need to do.

Seriously. I just want to sleep through all this shit. And I thought signing the contract was the end of the madness.


Ok, enough bitching. Time for something fun. Caption this picture:

 

TEN

....is the number of appointments/meetings/classes I've scheduled, had scheduled for me, and have gone to in this whole house buying process.

The PERFECT illustration of my thinking process lately.

 

 

March 16

1. Orientation class
2. Home buyer education course
3. Loan meeting
4. Financial counseling session
5. Contract signing
6. Property manager meeting
7. Loan meeting #2
8. Homeowners insurance meeting
9. Closing attorney meeting
10. Financial counseling session #2

May 1 (today)

And as of today, there are 24 days until my closing date.

Remember how, when this all started, I had my eye on a townhouse that was still being built and was the same price as the house I'm actually buying? Well, I found out yesterday that they increased the price on that house and I wouldn't have been able to afford it. At first I questioned my choice to buy the house that I'm buying instead of waiting for the newly built house and now I'm so freaking glad I didn't wait!


Dear Guardian Angel, YOU ROCK!

ALSO, I forgot to tell you all yesterday. Until tomorrow, you can take 20% off your purchase in my shop by entering the coupon code YAYSPRING at checkout. Go on. You know you wanna!