8 Random Things

I read this on a few blogs, so thought I would share 8 random things about me that you may or may not know.

1 - I have my credit card number memorized, including expiration date. I guess I buy too much online. Or else I have a hereto unknown ability to remember number sequences.

2 - I have 2 birthmarks. I used to think that made me special, that somehow I was born twice.

3 - I like to make lists, and I will even write things on the list that have already happened so that I can mark them off.

4 - Things I wanted to be when I grew up in order: teacher (I was waaaay young, that has changed), a nurse, a vet, a cartographer (until I figured all the land had been discovered and everything would be done on computers anyway), and then an architect . Then just someone working in an office, but I didn't know what. I guess that part came true.

5 - I think my bellybutton looks like an eyeball - therefore my stomach looks like Cyclops.

6 - I watch shows on the Disney channel when nothing else good is on. Currently, I'm trying to figure out what The Naked Brothers Band is about. (Please don't tell anyone)

7 - I like Dr. Pepper that has been sitting in a hot garage.

8 - I don't really like tomotoes, but I love tomato juice, tomato sauce, and I like ketchup.

I saw the sign

SOLD! In big, bold letters. Ok, not so big letters in this picture. But they were really big in my mind. They were referring to my land.

The ditches for the plumbing have been dug, and passed the first inspection. The slab should be poured very shortly. Once that is up, the framing can be done, and then apparently, the rest is a piece of cake.



Who would have thought I am such a decisive person? In less than 2 hours, I picked out brick, stone, trim and mortar for the outside, as well as carpet, paint, vinyl, and counter tops throughout the inside. It wasn't quite as over-whelming as I thought it would be. It felt good to know what I didn't like, so I could eliminate half of the little swatches to go through. And once you pick one thing, like the counter tops, you have to pick things that match - which eliminates many more things. I am glad I brought my friend with me, but I felt like I made almost all of the decisions. It helped that we had similar tastes on most everything. It was nice to hear reassurance that the things went well together.



It felt good, and it's starting to feel like my house. Finally.




(This is what my house will look like when finished. Well, at least the brick and stone combo. Please ignore the exquisite architectural detail in this at least half-million dollar home. It is for reference purposes only. Actual results will vary.)












(And here is a close-up of the brick. Let's hope it is in stock!)

I have a really messy signature.

And it will be witnessed for all to see in triplicate in so many forms, if today is any indication of the near future.

I made the decision and bought the lot! Things are starting to happen. I met with the mortgage lady today, and had to sign mucho stuffo and this isn't even the real paperwork. I don't have a fixed interest rate yet, and they can't do the appraisal until the house is built, so this is just preliminary stuff.

I drove by my lot, yes MY lot, this morning too. Not much progress has been made this week, except for big piles of dirt have been shifted. I really think the builder was overly optimistic when he said a closing date of Aug. 15th. Especially with no end in sight to this rain.

Now the beginning of the real decisions start now. I'm meeting with the builder on Saturday morning to at least pick out the brick and stonework. If we have time, we will start on the carpet, paint, vinyl, cabinets, counters, and all else. Is it bad that I already don't really care about all this? Maybe it's just not real yet until I see the samples. Or maybe it is just too overwhelming for me. I'm bringing an opinionated friend with me on Saturday. I'm not going to let her make the decisions for me, but I want a second opinion, and someone there who can make a decision if it is something that I really do not care about.

A personal distraction is now gone (well not gone, but decisions have been made and some closure has been had, so let the healing begin!), so I hope that I can focus more on the good news of the house.

Speak now or forever hold your peace

I'm sleeping on it to decide if this is where I want to sleep for the indefinite future.

You will have to use your imagination, cuz I wont' be sleeping on dirt obviously. In 70 days, they can turn this lot into this.

Does 70 days sound reasonable for you experienced new home buyers? Sounds soon to me. That pushes back my ideal moving date by at least a month. But for a new home, I guess it is worth it. One more summer month that I will have my apartment pool available to me.

Anyway, I told the builders that I would think about it over the weekend. And barring any angels coming to me in my sleep tonight predicting 7 years of drought and desolation, I will most likely go forward with this plan. Honestly, there are many appealing things about this house and builder, and location. Of course there are also drawbacks. I keep telling myself that this decision does not have to be for the rest of my life. But it can be if I want it.