For the last few months it’s been bad news, after bad news, after more bad news.
But! I’ve been holding out on you, oh World Wide Web. Lo! I have good news!
After four months of searching, we found a house. (to rent.) (Yes. We’re renting again. But, hopefully not for long.)
And this house is beautiful. And this house is spacious. And this house sits on half an acre of land and is zoned for not one, but TWO horses. And this house is in a very desirable neighborhood. And most importantly? This house does NOT have a kitchen that looks like this.
Oh, no it does not.
This house has a new kitchen, with new cabinets that are made with real wood.
*cue angels singing*
Ok, I suppose that’s not the most important thing about the house. THEE most important thing is that it is the exact amount we can afford (We really lucked out. The prices in the area are MUCH higher than what we’re going to be paying, which is why we JUMPED INTO ACTION when we found this house. And ha! ha! Me + PigHunter + jumping into action = THE CRAZY. I wish you could have been there to watch it.)
At one point during our Home Hunt, we found this tiny little that we both hated, but the rent was very reasonable (for good reason.) As we were walking out of the house, Tony turned to me and said “I know this house is small, and kind of ugly and in a bad neighborhood, but! It’s cheap! And we can save money!”
“HELL NO!” I proclaimed. “We spent 10 years, TEN FREAKING YEARS, in a house that was all of those things and it sucked the life out of me. I’m not doing that again. I’m willing to pay a little more to have a house that I feel comfortable in, a house that I am not ashamed to entertain friends in. I will NOT move into another piece of shit house, I won’t do it.”
Call me a selfish brat if you want to, I don’t care. I am not going to waste another minute of my life hating a house that I live in. I wasn’t looking for a PERFECT house, just a house that I felt comfortable in.
This house isn’t perfect. It’s an older home, the yard –all HALF ACRE OF IT– is nothing but dead weeds (My Mother in Law was all “get a goat! Or some sheep! For they will keep the weeds in check!”) There are broken light fixtures and the front door is hideous. It’s not perfect at all.
But it feels perfect for us and that’s all that I cared about.
Eight more days and we’ll be out of my parents house (and hair) and in our own place.
Who’s coming over to celebrate?
Awesome news Y! What ever will poor Judy do? ;o)
I would, but I live in England.
But many congratulations! Hope it all progresses smoothly now and with much happiness.
Maybe Judy can be your first guest for dinner in the new house? Ya think? She would probably appreciate it.
I’m so glad you found something that works for you guys and you are excited about moving into! 😀
I can’t even tell you how much I love that you thought of Judy.
Judy’s going to be so happy, but possibly also a little ANGRY that she’ll no longer have me around to stalk and clip pennysaver listings for.
Kidding! Kind of. Because FREAAAAKY JUDY.
YAY FOR YOU!
I WILL SERIOUSLY COME OVER!!! I WILL BRING PATRON AND MARGARITA MIX!!! WE CAN MAKE THEM IN OUR MOUTHS!!!
WHO NEEDS GLASSES OR A BLENDER?@?!?
So. Much. Yaaaay! In my insides for you right now.
Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaayyyyyyyyyyy!
Welcome home.
Congratulations! It sounds wonderful.
Yea!!! That is great news! I am so happy for you guys. You must take pictures and share with us. You were definitely overdue for some good news ((hugs)).
Hey! Congratulations! The new digs sound awesome. Yay for finding a house!
Yay for the new digs! And hopefully you got good news from your doctor–I nearly had a heart attack just reading about it! Take care, Y!
WOO HOO!!!!!! That’s friggin’ awesome!!!!!! Congrats!!!!!
Congratulations!!! We live on a 1/4 acre that was all weeds when we moved in. A couple summers of diligently watering 1 $20 bag of grass seed later (we did spread the seed out and then water it — we didn’t just water the bag where it sat in the garage), and we have a beautiful 1/4 acre of grassy lawn! So don’t stress about those weeds — they are easy, if not a bit time consuming, to get rid of.
I am so happy for you and your real kitchen in your new house!!!
Yaaaaay!
Now that is fabulous news. I’m so excited for you!
Um, not that you want an entire half-acre of lawn to mow. But, if you wanted to get rid of SOME of the weeds and replace them with lawn, then it’s pretty easy. That’s what I meant.
The goat idea is pretty great, too.
Yay! I will totally come over to celebrate!
Awesome! Congrats on the new place.
Also, the Weed Hound is great for pulling weeds. You don’t even have to get down on your hands and knees to use it.
Wooohooo!
congrats!
when’s the kegger?
Awesome! Congrats!
Yay!!! At last Pighunter can get as many blowjobs as possible. I am so happy for you and the Familia.
Keep us updated on your new home.
That’s wonderful news! Congratulations, you deserve some Happy.
I am soooooo HAPPY for you…
After reading about your chest pain ( I had chest pain last night but I have no insurance…therefore…webmd for me. lol)
I was like “C’mon God! Even I know she’s had enough already.”
Times are changing. I really am so happy for you. I’ve had practically the same kind of luck as you and it just changed like 3 weeks ago mostly.
Oh and don’t ever feel bad for going after what you want. I tell my hubby…”it’s one life and when it’s over, it’s done. There is no later.”
happy, happy, happy for you!!!!~!
Totally fabulous news. Congratulations.
I can only dream of that much land for my kid to play in.
Oh, and I can send my big huge 85lbs dog over to, um, er, help fertilize the land….because seriously, in my little 30×30 foot yard, it looks like I farm cows.
Yeah, that’s basically some kick ass news for you, Y. Am happy for you. No, seriously. HAPPY!
YAYAYAY!
I really want a goat, btw.
Also seconding a kegger.
Okay, so freaky you post this. I have been freaking out here, house hunting myself because we get to do the exact opposite! We have to sell the beautiful house we love, (which we should have never even bought) to downsize big time and buy a house that we can actually afford. It’s sad, at least we had a dream house for 2 years, some people never ever get to live in theirs.
Congrats to you, I will wave to you as we pass going opposite directions!
Seriously though, I am so happy for you and your family. If momma’s happy, EVERYone’s happy!!
Congratulations! New or old, as long as it’s perfect for your family, that’s all that matters. Happy moving!
I am THERE!!! Congrats. Want help moving?
Oh at last!!! Hooray! New home with nice kitchen and ugly door that you can shut and only open to people not called Judy ( we shall pray that your mom doesn’t give Judy your new address and phone number so she can keep in touch and check up that the new home is to her satisfaction)
Feeling “at home” is so important.
You needed this. Congrats!!
Congratulations, Sweetie!!!!
About time something good happened for you guys!
hugs
Ha! I’ll actually be in SoCal in 8 days. So perhaps I will come to celebrate. Muah!
YAHOO – all the best for the future!
That’s great, congrats and good luck!!
Congratulations! I’m coming over. I make good margaritas. 🙂
So you got it? I still want pics.
YAY!!! So happy for you!
I’m so freak-in happy for you.
My luck has been going pretty much like yours and has just started to change in the last week. I’m hoping that yours continues to improve.
kisses
Congrats girl. As someone who lived with relatives (god it pains me to say that) for almost a year, celebrate and enjoy!
xox
Oh wow, I’m so happy for you guys! I couldn’t imagine all of us having to live with my parents! Can’t wait to see pics of the new place.
Wooohooo! Yes! You guys deserve this! Yes, I’ll RSVP.. since I missed the big partay in Chicago this summer… bah.
Now, don’t tell Judy! 😉
That’s fantastic news, Y. Big Congratulations!!
I am so, so happy for you. We spent the past year renting an apartment that was small, dark (basement), cramped, old, falling apart, and — most importantly — cheap. We settled for it because we wanted to save money and it was in a convenient location (one we grew to despise, btw, because it was so overcrowded). Just last week we moved into a gorgeous, sparkling new condo with floor-to-ceiling, wall-to-wall window and cathedral ceilings situated on a golf course away from the rush and bustle of the city. I’ve never been happier and I know you’ll be just as happy in your new home. It sounds phenomenal. I can’t wait to hear/see more about it.
Woo-hoo! I’m so glad things are starting to look up for you!
Yes! Yes! Yes!
Horay for no more crazy Judy….horay for huge yard…horay for loud (no parents down the hall) Jesus approved sex!
Very cool.
I’m so happy for you! I’ve been having sympathetic left arm pain ever since reading your previous entry.
You can have 2 horses on a half acre lot?! You crazy Californians! Here in Minnesota, you need a minimum of 5 acres for one. I can’t even imagine one horse on a half acre lot-the smell would kill you if you didn’t get the manure shipped out daily. Amazing the differences though!
MEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!
Seriously. Will you have a housewarming partay?
Yay!!! That is definitely some good news. I’m so glad for you guys.
Whoop whooop…i’m bringing the bean dip!!! 🙂
Woo hoo!
I’ll bring the wine and bean dip.
Y, that’s awesome! i’m SO happy to hear that! can’t wait to see pictures and i’m coming over in november! 🙂 *smooches*
Whoo hoo! par-tay.
I’m definitely coming. And I’m bringing a goat.
Yay!! (happy dance) 🙂
I was feeling down this morning and when I read this it turned my whole day around. You guys so deserve it – congratulations!
I’ll be there, and I’m bringing NACHOS!
(just kidding, it’ll be a fruit salad like the Wiggles eat)
I’m coming! Weeding is a pain in the ass, but a great way to relieve stress. I’m obsessed with weeding.
Send me your address so I can send you a housewarming basket o’ SMOKED BEEFLOGS.
Wheeeee! Congratulations! That is WONDERFUL news, and I’m thrilled for you and your family (though I admit I will miss the Judy saga!). 🙂
P.S. Your Mother-In-Law’s advice about getting a goat or sheep to keep the weeds in check? HilARious. Love that.
Congratulations!
I think this is double good news. No more Judy the nosey neighbor!
Yayy! I’m very happy for ya’ll… And I’m glad that you made a stand about wanting a place where you can be comfortable and happy having people over.
Man, I wish I could attend the housewarming! Don’t forget to invite Judy! LOL
Good luck, and I’m so glad it worked out.
Yay! Congrats! Can’t wait to see pics of the new kitchen. 😉
So awesome! I’m really happy for you because yeah, enough with the bad news coming your way! Hooray and good luck!
I’m so happy to hear good news from the Joy front! Congrats!
Congratulations Y!! I’m giving you a little bling, even though you’re not the bloggy bling type … but well … I didn’t mean … er, never mind. Just come and get it, because I think you’re cool!
Woohoo!!! Congratulations! That is so awesome. The tides are turning! And the luck of finding such a great place and being happy in a new home will just have to spill over into all the other stuff, right? Right. 🙂
THAT’S FABULOUS NEWS!
I know it’s probably been said, but as soon as you asked about about celebration guests, my first thought was definitely Judy.
Yoo hoo!
So happy for you Y.
Congratualtions! Re: weeds, mulch is your friend.
Delurking to say how happy I am for you. You deserve a break, and I’m glad you got one in regards to your housing. Back to lurkdom…
ROCK ON!!! Good news Good News…Save me a place at dinner.
Oh, if you knew me IRL you would not invite me unless you were sure you wanted me to show up. I would so be there.
Sounds like a cool house. Perfect for you is what counts. Right now I am trying to sell my perfectly good house on 5 acres to move to one about the same size, but that is a modular home( but added on to nicely and with a beautiful yard) and less land that is actually worth less than my house. But it is more perfect for ME and it is on THE LAKE!
I am truly happy for you.
We want pics. (notice how when I want power I start speaking for everyone)
Delurking to say YAY!!!!
Congratulations. That is so exciting and you have definitely been deserving of some good fortune.
J
PAR-TAY!! I’m so, so, so, so incredibly happy for you and your family. GOOD FOR YOU! You deserve a break, sista! Too bad I’ll miss the party since I live in Dela-where…but we are cheering you on. Can’t wait to see pics of your family happy in its own space again. 🙂 🙂 🙂
This is the quickest I have ever RSVP’ed to anything.
I’ll bring my famous White Trash Dip. It has chili in it, so, maybe I’ll bring a can of Glade spray, too. (“Just in case.”)
XOXO and CONGRATULATIONS!!
Jen
So excited for you! Sounds wonderful. And good for you for doing it without committing to something you can’t afford.
You know this stroke of great luck can only be the result of “crazy lady’s” prayers for your family, right?
Now you have to have her over in gratitude!
Seriously, congrats on the new home. For a home it will be. Not just a house.
I am humming that song by Madonna, “Wheres the party”. So glad you found a house, hopefully NOT within walking distance of your friend Judy. Keep the posts coming and some pics would be nice! (I am so demanding, just ask my husband)
Suzy
Congratulations Y! You and your family deserve this so much.
That’s fantastic news, Yvonne! I’m so happy for you guys! 😀
Round-up, baby. Buy several gallons. It’s safe around kids after it dries (couple hours) and it doesn’t hurt anything except green growing things. If any of the plants are pretty or if there’s any grass AT ALL, beware. This will kill it. It’s a slow but SURE way to kill weeds, and it’s safer to use and more environment friendly then other weed killers. If you have woody or wood-viney plants, you’ll need something else and be very careful with it around the kiddos.
YAY! Your surroundings are so incredibly important. Things *and* people. I’m so glad you found a house you feel you and your family can be happy in. It’ll make all the difference. Wish I could come over! 🙂
xxoo
My first thought was “Judy will be so happy!”
I am happy for you too :). We have living in a rental that we hate in common. I am so glad you got *out*. Even though it wasn’t the best way AND you had to live with your parents for a while. But now you are getting a nice house that I am sure you will appreciate everyday. Glad it all worked out for your family.
PS I have enjoyed reading your blog for a while now but never commented. I started a little blog so I can comment now and not be anonymous.
Not to change the topic: but I noticed that on Blogflux under Parenting Blogs you are Number SEVEN out of 500 parenting blogs.
Just some more good news 🙂
YAY!
A bad neighborhood is just not worth the money saved, not when you’ve got kids.
A good kitchen is always important, especially when you’ve got kids.
Oh my goodness – I’m so freakin’ happy for y’all! No one has ever deserved a HOME more than you guys do this year! CONGRATS!!!!
I’m with you girl. We are renting (sigh. looooong story, had a house, sold it and funded our baby’s therapy with it) we have rented some shitholes in our time. this house is lovely. a bit more than I wanted to pay but heck I will entertain at home. My lovely home!
Good luck with the move 🙂
The good does tend to come after the shit, and you definitely deserved a bit of good. So happy for you Y.
Don’t forget your change of address cards, complete with your new phone number. And don’t forget to make sure Judy gets one!
They sell stuff to kill weeds. But they don’t sell stuff to kill crazies. Well, not legally anyway.
Rock on, girl!
I really wish I could have you all over to celebrate.
We could have a “Weed Pulling Party.”
Seriously, thanks for sharing in my happiness.
xoxo
HOORAY! You deserve it more than anyone. Poor Judy – you’ll have to be sure to stop by and visit her after you’re gone.
Yay for you! I can’t wait to see pictures! 🙂
(back to lurking)
Oh- and once you weed, put down preen. I swear to Buddah- I want to kill all my friends who never told me about this stuff. It seriously works great and is OK for the rest of your plants.
Sadly, you have to pull the weeds first.
(ok, really now- I’m back to lurking)
I’ll be right over.
Holy Crap, you’ve got a lot of friends! And how’d you get the picture of my kitchen?
Hooray for Y!!!!!!!!!!!!! I don’t have a goat, but if I did, I would surely lend you it:-)
again, Hooray!!!!!!!
Hot Dang! Wonderful news, chiquita! Now this IS good news. Congrats to you and PH! ((hugs))
I have been reading you for a long time but could not comment from work. Thank You for making me get through another day.
Huzzah! From heart attack to house, now THAT’s what I like to hear!
🙂
Hope you are feeling better and I had a house just like that, ugly ass door but everything else was so much better than the last I was happy to have it!
Just wanted to let you know that I think you have an awesome blog. I own and run and run a parenting site, and you remind me so much of all the wonderful ladies there.
If you have a little free time and are looking for a nice supportive community visit us at http://www.parentscentral.net registration is free!!
Cheers!!
thanks for stopping by my site…I love your site..will come back…
Good luck..great layout..
Dorothy from grammology
call your grandma
Ohhhhh, there is nothing BETTER than moving in to a house that has a kitchen that gives the ‘good vibes’ and makes you want to spend time there…cook, socialize, drink and be merry! We just bought a new home in June and it was the best thing for the life structure- we are finally fitting in to a lifestyle where stress is the last thing on my list during a day. Having your life in complete upheaval is very tormenting and can cause diets, meal plans and life in general to be thrown out the window. Kudos to you on finding a place that you love! There is no better feeling.
I read your site everyday. I’m still in awe at the amount of people that you have following your blog posts!
Hope you have a great countdown to the move- and an even better settle!
Congrats!
Congratulations! Bossy will bring the Virtual Casserole.
Congrats on the new digs. Just when you needed a bit of good news.
Yippee yi yay! You must hold a virtual housewarming party!
Best of luck to you!