When you are a Fl girl, snow is glamorous and beautiful. When we moved to GA, I delighted in the first snowflakes I ever saw. We shoveled the driveway in good cheer in MD and I carted the kids in a sled in IL. We've tramped in NH, Chicago and Boston all the while thrilling the bitter cold and wet shoes. But now, it seems the cold, wet snow has gotten on my bad side at last.
We are officially stuck in Oregon. The children and I came for a much anticipated extended visit. As in all long trips, homesickness had set in. Yesterday we were supposed to be home and we are not. We will be home, if all goes well, on Fri. Today is Tuesday. I'm trying to resist the urge to list every beloved home activity to do upon our arrival. I am trying to make the most of the time we have left here. My head knows it will be some time before I am able to come this way again. My heart and my children keep watching every new snowfall with dismay. I'll Be home for Christmas has been banned from our playlist. My calls to DH have become more frequent. Usually, it is he who is away and calls frequently when stressed.
Present too, is a vague guilt over my disappointment. After all, we are well fed, dry, warm with new adventures right around the corner. What right have I to be sad over things? Also in my thoughts is the knowledge that Christmas does not depend on our where abouts, our incomes, or even our companions. It is the birthday celebration of a man who changed humanity. This year, I'm being given yet another opportunity to ponder this.
Oh well. In a week's time, this will pass. All that will remain are the wonderful memories of an indulgent uncle, cherished grandparents, awe inspiring forests and an ocean to silence all chatter.
Merry Christmas
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Thursday, December 04, 2008
Henrietta Homeowner
Buying a home is never exactly what you think it will be. Home inspections are only as good as the inspector, and unless you're construction savvy, you'll be fixing everything the inspector missed. As it stands, our inspector was not quite what we were hoping and I am not altogether construction savvy. I once dreamed of a project house and it seems I got one.
I love my house. I do. However, within a week, we'd considered naming it the college fund of the local plumber's children. It got worse from there. There were siding issues, ugly concrete walls and a misplaced fence. We were not batting well in the happy homeowner world.
The to do list loomed long. Luckily I discovered something that made it all better. Insiders at http://www.nari.org/ call it staging. You see. I'm thrifty by nature, but not so good at long range planning. I didn't know how to break the job down into smaller chunks. Doing the house renovations in one fell swoop sounds great except for the price tag. As I said, I'm on the thrifty side. With staging, I plan the renovations and set the schedule for when the work is done. I will do some smaller tasks, like painting and closet shelving. As for the rest, I know my limits. I want the work to be done right and I'm not a professional.
Scratching the Extreme Home Makeover with Ty Pennington, we had to do some real thinking. We are listing all house use and family needs; we're making a wish list. We're working on the budget and saving. Baby steps. The good news is that as I make the list and we tackle items, I can go back to enjoying my house.
While I work on my list and learn more about choosing the right contractors, I invite you to send me your questions.
I love my house. I do. However, within a week, we'd considered naming it the college fund of the local plumber's children. It got worse from there. There were siding issues, ugly concrete walls and a misplaced fence. We were not batting well in the happy homeowner world.
The to do list loomed long. Luckily I discovered something that made it all better. Insiders at http://www.nari.org/ call it staging. You see. I'm thrifty by nature, but not so good at long range planning. I didn't know how to break the job down into smaller chunks. Doing the house renovations in one fell swoop sounds great except for the price tag. As I said, I'm on the thrifty side. With staging, I plan the renovations and set the schedule for when the work is done. I will do some smaller tasks, like painting and closet shelving. As for the rest, I know my limits. I want the work to be done right and I'm not a professional.
Scratching the Extreme Home Makeover with Ty Pennington, we had to do some real thinking. We are listing all house use and family needs; we're making a wish list. We're working on the budget and saving. Baby steps. The good news is that as I make the list and we tackle items, I can go back to enjoying my house.
While I work on my list and learn more about choosing the right contractors, I invite you to send me your questions.
Thanksgiving at home
This year was such a marked contrast to last year. It was our first Thanksgiving in a place that was home. Really home. It was good.
I raked my leaves and listed my own blessings. At the risk of boring you I ofer the short list. Leaves. Bonfires. Mercy. Grace. Forgiveness. Peaceful political process. Children. Friends. Family. I am in love with a God who would pour out umexpected blessings for all who would desire to walk with him. Sometimes, humilty doesn't leave a lot of room for other words.
I raked my leaves and listed my own blessings. At the risk of boring you I ofer the short list. Leaves. Bonfires. Mercy. Grace. Forgiveness. Peaceful political process. Children. Friends. Family. I am in love with a God who would pour out umexpected blessings for all who would desire to walk with him. Sometimes, humilty doesn't leave a lot of room for other words.
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