Day 37: The most anticipated lunch hour of 2011
Earlier today, my plan was to post this headline along with a Part 1 label just before I left to go look at a couple houses on my lunch hour. Last night, I scrolled through the photos of another Alger Heights home I was itching to look at. (The one with the beautiful door I posted about last week.) I actually screamed a quiet little yay as I looked at the photos over and over and over. This was going to be the one, I thought. I could feel it in my bones. I felt like a little kid waiting for Santa to come. It was 1:00 a.m. and I was too excited to sleep. Seriously.
This morning, I opened a text from my realtor. I screamed again. “Noooooooooo!” This time it was louder and more or less inappropriate since I was sitting in my cubicle. “The house is sold. They’re already doing inspections,” the text message read.
I threw my head back, my hands up and pouted – quite dramatically. If only I’d pounced on it the second I saw the alert.
I met my realtor to look at the other houses without much of a hope. The first one was big, old and beautiful. Exactly what I’d love. But it needs a lot of TLC and the heating bills would have been astronomical.
I looked at another charmer. I loved it. But the toilet was leaking through the dining room ceiling. A random slab of drywall was hung in an upstairs room. Who knows what else was lurking behind those walls. Not to mention, the renters (who were home!!!) smoked inside the house. Candles covered it up well, but once I got back to work, my hair had trapped the stench and I was stuck with a nauseating headache.
I found a dead bird hanging out of the attic fan in another home. Come on, people. You’re trying to sell a house.
And then, a few doors down, I found something amazing. Nearly perfect. I turned every corner hesitantly, expecting to find a deal breaker. But I only found more to love.
The only thing that has me wary is that it’s a flip. A horror story I heard this past fall left me scared silly.
While my most anticipated lunch hour of 2011 didn’t turn out the way I expected, it did have a hopeful ending. Stay tuned…
Wanna play Match that House?
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Day 36: Breeding a popcorn addict
I thought about selecting something practical from my company’s employee Christmas gift catalog, like I always do. A floor steamer, a rotisserie toaster oven, silverware, a vacuum…
But there was one option that my mind kept going back to: the popcorn popper. I told myself that my stove-top method was good enough and that the extravagant little retro popper was completely unnecessary.
In elementary school, I ate a whole bag of microwave popcorn every single night. It’s a wonder I wasn’t a blimp. It wasn’t until high school that I started to think about what that bag of buttery goodness might do to my figure. So I cut back to a few bags a week. In college, I ate it even more sparingly, but still devoured it more than the average person. I sure loved popcorn. Once I became pregnant, however, my taste for popcorn seemed to vanish into thin air. I’ve been trying for four years and eight months to rediscover it. No luck.
Since Calin seems to have acquired my love for the white, puffy morsels of buttery goodness, well, I started thinking of him… My best friend in elementary school had a theatre-style popcorn kettle; she was the luckiest girl on Earth. Good thing we were inseparable. Slumber parties happened often, which meant I had plenty of opportunity to stuff my belly. Those were the good ol’ days!
So back to Calin… If he’s anything like I was, he’ll have fond memories of this popcorn popper. And it’ll be a hit when he has friends over to play. So that settled it. The popcorn popper was absolutely necessary and definitely practical!
Despite having wrapped the popper myself, I felt like a little kid as Calin and I opened it up yesterday morning (yes, this one was addressed to both of us from Santa). Maybe I’ll find my taste again! Since I had the day off today, Calin and I watched The Polar Express and enjoyed popcorn from our brand new kettle. It was definitely the highlight of our day.
My childhood dream come true!
Day 35: A slow start to Christmas morning
“Hey Mom?” I heard my three-year old say from the backseat. “When we get home, I’m going STRAIGHT to bed. I am soooo tired.”
He emphasized the word straight, said in a fashion that I use when busting out threats to curb bad behavior. Voluntarily going to bed isn’t something you hear from Calin everyday, or ever, really. It was precious. It was also after midnight. We made it home just in time to set out cookies and milk before Santa reached Eastown.
When I rolled over Christmas morning, the clock said 9:30 a.m. In all my 26 Christmases I don’t think I’ve ever slept this late. It’s even more bizarre with a little kid in the other room. Or is he? I thought back to last Christmas (or maybe it was his birthday). He had opened all of his presents by himself. Worried that I’d miss seeing his face light up in delight as he unwrapped the Power Rangers and ‘motor dirt bike’ he’d been asking for since November, or drink the milk that had been sitting out for nine hours, or God forbid, unwrap presents that weren’t his (I hate wrapping presents), I popped out of bed and hurried to the living room.
No tattered paper. Stockings still stuffed. Glass of milk still half-full. I walked into his bedroom to see him sleeping soundly. He didn’t budge when I told him Santa came. So I made coffee, got my camera ready and turned on Christmas music. When I tried again at 10 a.m., he rolled out of bed and staggered over to the Christmas tree. It took him opening a gift or two rather daintily before he finally woke up, came to life and the paper-tearing madness began.
Maybe next year I’ll have a house that I can entertain in and host the Christmas Eve gathering. Calin can go to bed a little earlier and maybe, just maybe, he’ll come bounding into my bedroom at 6 a.m. like a normal kid.
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- Look at those sleepy eyes.
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- This one got him to wake up.
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- He’s finally tearing into the presents.
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- He told me later that this dinosaur book was his favorite present. I’m shocked.
Day 34: Discovering more to love in Grand Rapids
I have a tendency to buy greeting cards I like without a recipient in mind. This one is so me - and will likely hang on my refrigerator for years. 🙂 6.25 Paper Studio - I will be back!
(Catching up after the holidays – here’s Saturday’s post)
The McNabb family did a gift exchange among my five brothers, two girlfriends and myself this year. I seemed to have misplaced Sarah’s gift so I went on a mad dash to find a replacement. I saw a pretty scarf a few weeks ago that I thought she would like, but the store was closed. I drove to Monroe Center to visit Gina’s Boutique and Lia Rosa to see if I could find something equally cute, warm and fuzzy. I noticed the shops next door called MoDiv. I’ve heard of this establishment, but wasn’t sure what I’d find inside. I figured it’d be art galleries and other shops filled with novelty items I can’t afford. I decided to take a quick walk through.
Boy, was I wrong. In the former Little Bohemia location on Monroe Center and Division, MoDiv is filled with small shops and wonderful merchandise:
- I found unique greeting cards, a reusable shopping bag and other paper products at 6.25 Paper.
- I bought Sarah’s gift (a pair of warm, knit slipper socks) a pretty ring, and zip-up sweater vest (best deal!!) at Chai Boutique.
- The twins got their first bibs from the adorable kids clothing store Sofia Bella.
- My eye caught sight of beautiful wedding gowns at Vue Design, too; I just love that they’re custom designed and created by a local Grand Rapidian.
Considering the number of goodies I bought, the prices were obviously quite decent. On my way out, I noticed beautiful Christmas decorations at Eastern Floral. These will be perfect for my new home, I thought. I made a mental note to return Tuesday night since I was already pushing it for arriving on time to the Thompson family Christmas Eve celebration.
As I drove home, I got to thinking, what’s with this “someday when I have a house” mindset? It typically dictates many of my home-good purchases. I don’t want to buy things that only work for my dwelling place of a year. I buy stuff for the anticipated room I don’t yet have, which means a lot of my stuff is currently mismatched. The thing is, my furniture and decor have been in use in three apartments since 2008. And once I get to a place of permanence, I guarantee the same stuff will fill the rooms, and I won’t have that much more space.
One thing I can guarantee, my home will be much more festive at Christmas time, and I’ll start with new holiday decorations from Eastern Floral at MoDiv!
Day 33: To drink or not to drink
Who knew a beverage could fuel a love/hate relationship?
Amidst running all over Greater Grand Rapids yesterday – work, Christmas shopping, Frederick Meijer Gardens, poker night – I didn’t have much time for food. Since my night ended downtown to meet a friend, the measly soup and pizza I ate were anything but sufficient for having a few drinks. So I can’t complain that I felt a little under the weather today.
In an attempt to cure it, my brunch at San Chez consisted of a Bloody Mary. My first ever! I eagerly awaited the glass of seasoned tomato juice. When it arrived, I took a cautious sip, making it my first and last Bloody Mary.
Still feeling rather foggy from last night’s Magic Hat #9 and Short’s Bellaire Brown, I was glad I had no agenda on my day off except last-minute Christmas shopping and gift wrapping. I didn’t feel one ounce of remorse for lazily napping and watching a movie this afternoon.
Not even as I stared at the chaotic state of my living room. It’s filled with gifts, wrapping paper, bows and bags. My mind wandered, thinking about this time next year. A spare bedroom or a finished basement will be so nice for this time of year. And I’ll have a cozy space for days just like today. It was a lovely thought to accompany my still-aching head.
I really shouldn’t be feeling this terrible, I thought. I only had a couple beers. And then it hit me. The throbbing was very familiar… That Bloody Mary was in place of coffee. It’s not a hangover! If I don’t drink my one cup by 9:30 a.m., my head pays dearly. In fact, I hate the thought of having an addiction so much, I’m tempted to suffer for a few days and quit altogether. But there’s something about a steamy cup of joe that stops me from quitting; the anticipation of holding a warm mug and taking my first sip each morning has always been a moment of indulgence. I can’t put my finger on why, but tea doesn’t have the same effect.
Once I got my hands on a cup of coffee tonight, I felt instantly better. For something so seemingly simple, a beverage sure holds a lot of power. Beer and coffee influenced my entire day.
Day 32: Goodbye to a Christmas tradition
The Carol Roeda Studio is filled with whimsical treasures that I’d love to scatter throughout my home. But it’s not cheap. For those that know me, you know I’m prone to frugality. So when a 30-percent off coupon came through my email, I figured this was the perfect time to pick up a gift for myself from Santa (gotta play it up with an almost four-year old). As I contemplated an item displayed near the store’s entrance in Breton Village Mall, I heard squeals of delight coming from nearby children. I looked outside the store and watched a little boy’s face light up. “Choo choo train!” he exclaimed. His dad was left in the dust as his two little boys scurried away to get a closer look. A smile crept across my face; laughter filled the air as children and adults alike admired the 18 x 36-foot train set.
One of my favorite Christmas traditions since I’ve moved to the East side of Grand Rapids has been bringing my son to Breton Village to see the train display. The detail of the mountainside village is incredible. From animals lapping up the fresh mountain water to people arguing over what appears to be a fender bender to children loading a school bus, every part of this display is wonderfully meticulous.
Each year, Calin circles the set following the trains as he points out familiar characters from Thomas. He goes round and round, mesmerized by the sights until I drag him away.
A few weeks ago, I was lucky enough to meet Herb, the man responsible for this wonderful Christmas tradition. He was repairing one of the locomotives. “The trains are getting tired,” he said. “So are we, the engineers.” After 25 years, the trains that bring holiday cheer and wonder are taking their last chug around the tracks this season.
While I’ve only been coming for three years, I’d imagine the Breton Village train display is one of those symbols of home for the holidays for many who’ve left Michigan and those who’ve stayed. I hope someone will pick up where Herb left off.
A game of baseball
Day 31: A little voice called hope
My mom alerted me to a new listing in Alger Heights today. I half-heartedly pulled up Zillow to check it out, expecting to find a dinky backyard, an ugly exterior and zero charm. The Brooklyn Street failure has clearly drained the optimism right out of me. Nothing compares. Plus it’s winter. I’m wary about making such a big decision when the ground is covered in snow. Or in West Michigan’s case, covered in drab.
What if the neighbors let the shrubs grow wild and don’t mind yellow grass? What if their front lawn is littered with junk when the temperatures rise? What if the whole block is unkempt? That’s going to affect me come time to resell.
One part of me says give it up. Wait until the buds blossom this Spring. A fresh new flock of homes will be on the market, and one is sure to be yours.
But on the heels of the pessimism and justification there’s that little voice that pipes up to discourage quitting. Every time. So I spend my weekends going to open houses. I spend a few evenings a week perusing GRAR and Zillow, just in case I missed something. I even look at houses I know I won’t like or can’t afford, just to give myself that extra leg up on home values. (I’m sure my realtor loves that (note the sarcasm), but it never shows. Patience is his virtue.)
Here goes nothing, I thought, as I swiped through the photos on my Droid. And that’s when I saw the front door. Hmm… there’s the charm I’m looking for. And ugly exterior? I swiped backwards. Are those rocks. I love rocks. And the backyard seems to be a decent size. The kitchen even has room for a small table, which was a must-have requirement that dropped off a while back.
I looked at the house again just now. Gosh, that door is spectacular. My stomach is doing flip flops right now… Maybe this will be the one! Thanks for your persistence, Mom, and thanks, little voice called hope inside my head, for always making room for optimism and perseverance.
I'm in love with this door.
Day 30: New Year’s resolutions
I achieved my 2011 New Year’s resolution just in time for 2012!
Nearly four years ago, I joined a project team in the Amway IT department in a change management communications role. When I started college, I imagined myself moving to LA to become a celebrity’s publicist. I grew up a bit – yep, I ‘found myself’ – and realized the Hollywood lifestyle was far from my cup of tea. Through the years I had many ideas of what I was going to do; I thought I’d be writing press releases, working with the media or planning events. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine I’d end up working with a bunch of computer nerds.
Turns out that’s a rather antiquated stereotype. And, ok, that’s the dramatic way of stating it. : ) My team really isn’t straight IT, rather a mix of professions, but I had to say it one last time. And, truth be told, I’ve developed a pretty mean IT speak. I’ve spent the past few years loving my job and many days hating my job. (Who hasn’t?) But one thing remained constant: not a day went by where I didn’t learn something new.
This year, however, I wanted that new to come from a perspective that I could only get from a different role. And today I found out that I’m going to be the newest member of the employee communications team. Talk about a great Christmas gift!
As excited as I am about the change, it really is bittersweet. This was my first job out of college. It’s going to be a strange thing moving on. And more than anything, I’m going to miss seeing the people who’ve become my friends over the past several years every day. We’ve been through a lot together.
I’m typically not one for New Year resolutions; a numerical change in the calendar year really isn’t a motivator for me to do something. But I guess the memorable date is a good way to hold yourself accountable. Making it with 11 days to spare is pretty exciting, too. So, what will I set out to do for 2012…?
Buying a house seems too easy to make it my resolution for next year. Drawing upon a hidden love for house cleaning always fails. Maybe I’ll learn how to grow a garden. Or simply how to keep a house plant alive. Maybe my resolution won’t have anything to do with the new house… Nope, that’s boring.
Finish my 2010 goal of learning to play the guitar. Take an improv class. Start writing a book. Learn how to sew. Use a hammer to build something. Go to Manhattan. Travel somewhere new. Now those are much more exciting resolutions!
Before I get ahead of myself, however, I think my first focus is the transition from old to new on the career front. 🙂
Day 29
Several people asked me about the house hunt today.
And that’s all I’ve got! The Christmas presents are begging to be taken out of my cold attic and wrapped up with pretty paper.
Unfolding the Story of My Life 