Not toasting another year would have been a crime. 2010 has been intense, and we survived it. In the first half of the year, the world was our oyster: we moved to the city we'd been trying to move to for years. We set up a cozy apartment. We hung out in Europe. In the second half, though, we closed our circle in a bit, holding tight to family while saying goodbye to loved ones who left this world too soon. The second half of 2010 changed me. But now that it's 2011, I know that brighter times are ahead.
Which brings us back to the hunt for new digs. Our lease is up in less than two months, so the clock is ticking. Maybe we'll rent again, but we'd like to buy if we can find the right place at the right price in our very short timeline. The funny thing about house-hunting, I've discovered, is that it is exactly like everyone says it is: highly emotional and completely stressful. I wrote about my concerns regarding the Pretty House here, but with each passing day, I was more and more sure that it was "the one." I had visions of renovations and a family and a life, all in that spot. Brains and hearts can so easily play tricks on us when there's a capital-h Home involved, can't they?
Since New Year's, we're not exactly back to Square One. There are a couple of interesting possibilities out there. One is purple (eek!). One is a renovation project (gulp-yay-dependingonmood). Maybe we'll see a slew of new listings in the coming weeks. Maybe not. Maybe I just want to make a decision so that we can move on with life. Maybe, as long as we're together, it really doesn't matter at all.
May your 2011 be filled with wonder, laughter, and joy.
Gorgeous papercuts and screenprints courtesy of Rob Ryan, my brightest-burning paper love.
Maggie I am so sorry about the house. You will find the one though! I promise. We had the same thing happen to us when we were looking, and I like the house we ended up with soooo much better. Still sucks though. Especially after life visualization in the pretty house.
ReplyDeleteBUY THE PURPLE HOUSE!
ReplyDeleteI have to say - all of 2010 changed me. Forever. Irreparably, I know this. I'll be stronger, braver, wiser and - I hope - better because of it, but forever changed. Too many trials, too many funerals to walk away unscathed, but just enough added perspective to make me all the more excited for the new year to come.
ReplyDeleteHappy 2011, friend. xoxo
I spend a lot of time envisioning our future home -- particularly one with more than two bedrooms and a yard big enough to accommodate a dog. I feel like we're still in an in between place and that we need to be somewhere else before we start a family and, you know, really settle into our lives. But what you said is so true: As long as we're together, it really doesn't matter.
ReplyDeleteI'm all for the purple house or the fixer-upper, as long as it's in DC so I can drive down and meet you one of these days!
It is for the best. You would have HATEd that kitchen! It is a message from the Cooking Gods.
ReplyDeleteaww, sorry about the pretty house. i hope something new comes along soon or you guys fall in love with the purple house/fixer. it's so much easier when there is a clear number one.
ReplyDeletebut don't be scared of purple! for some reason, row houses can pull off colors other houses can't. like, i don't know, pink and teal.
happy 2011!
it's cliche, but true: things happen for a reason, and i've no doubt something else is just around the corner. house-hunting is stressful, though, so here's hoping it comes to an end soon. i know you'd both like to have this little challenge behind you!
ReplyDeleteThe house we ended up with was our own version of your Pretty Little House... we thought we had lost it, but then it came back around.
ReplyDeleteAnnie is right - these things happend for a reason. It's still hard, though.
(Oh, and for the record, selling a house is JUST as much fun! Ha!)
Here's to hoping for a wonderful new year!