It’s hard for me to pull my mind away from the construction in the house long enough to even process anything else that’s been going on in our lives. I so want to. I want to give you some nice, highly-emotional story about deep and great things going on in my world, but my mind is in a much different place.
For such a long time we waited and searched for the right time and place to buy our first house. So much of it was based on what was the smartest financial decision for us at the moment, and part of it was because we weren’t interested in giving up our care-free existence quite yet. So we waited and watched while our friends bought cute fixer-uppers or well-kept condos, and my bookmark file grew and grew with ideas of what I would want in our house someday.
Oddly enough, I got everything I wanted in this – our first house. I got the three bedrooms I wanted, the fireplace, the dining room, the huge backyard, the hardwood floors, the old house with secret nooks and crannies and character in every corner. And then on top of it I got a blank slate for a cozy kitchen that I could design from the ground up.
But it holds so much more than just some “nice-to-haves.” This house is the cornerstone of the lifestyle that we wanted to build, one where we could live just on Matt’s salary, have money to invest into restoring and loving and old structure, put kids through college, give Matt the flexibility to retire early. It’s the first step in all of that. And it’s also the first step in creating a place where our community is welcome. Where our neighbors just come over when they need an egg, or stop in for a beer and a network TV show. Or Thanksgiving dinner.
And so I’m more fulfilled than I’ve ever been by pouring my elbow grease, creativity, and energy into this house. People who truly know me will be able to walk in the front door and see me in every inch of the place. They’ll see my ideas and Matt’s craftsmanship, and I hope they’ll head right over to the fridge to pull out a drink.
So there it is. An invitation to YOU, my friends. Sooner than later you won’t need a hardhat when you come over… so come on over and stay for a while. We’d love to have you. And your dog’s welcome too.
October 23rd, 2009 at 3:26 pm
Ohhh I’d love to come visit and catch up with you.
Maybe someday. What about cats, are they welcome too?? 
PS I LOVE your construction updates, keep them coming. They distract me from the nightmare that has become my life as of late.
October 26th, 2009 at 10:23 am
you and your kitties are welcome any time!!!