What a Year...

Exactly one year ago today, I handed over the keys to my cute little townhouse in Belmar. I loved that place - it was perfect for me and Sadie! A nice park across the street, the library, and of course, all the shopping!! Sadie and I often wandered over to the Petco, just to look around. There were some negatives, like the ancient neighbors and a cement courtyard, but overall it worked. During the 2007-2008 winter, I promised Sadie I would find a place with a yard by fall 2008 so she could spend time outside (and so that snow boots weren't required 3-4 times a day when she needed to go outside). In January 2008, just as I acknowledged that I would try to find place with a yard at some point during the year, I got the postcard that started all of this...

I should also mentioned that this postcard arrived 2 weeks after Maggie - call it fate, but it felt right to sell my townhouse and find a back yard!

I looked at probably 80 different places over the next 6 weeks trying to find the right place. I found one promising place and had it under contract, but in the end the seller and I couldn't agree to terms. I wanted something in an old neighborhood that was move in ready.

Umm, what did I just say? Move in ready?? Hmmm...

I had a list of things I wanted in my "dream home" and when I found the house on Adams, I saw the potential. I underestimated the work to get to "dream home" status, but it had potential.

First on the list was a yard. I think my yard is perfect! Not too big and not too small. And Maggie spends about 8 hours a day outside, minimum, so this is perfect for her.Next on the list was an open floor plan and I could tell that this place would make me happy. This is the only room that got a minor face lift. It was close to perfect right from the start.

A garage was also a must, and a 2 car garage was preferred. That is what I found, plus the access off 12th instead of the alley AND an oversized section that has tons of potential as well.

I also wanted a front porch-- check. A laundry shoot, or even better main floor laundry -- check! A nice kitchen, with room for entertaining -- check!! A good neighborhood within walking distance of bars - check!!! A home office and also a place for visitors to sleep - check!!!!

So, after the roller coaster of the past 12 months, I have indeed found my dream home:

Now, I just hope I can keep it ;)

Spring, Please Hurry Up!

The light dusting of snow, and the ice that some of my co-workers faced this morning, reminds me that it is still winter after all... Until next Friday, the 20th, when Spring officially begins! But the flowers in my yard decided to make an early appearance!! Welcome! Now stop teasing me.
A couple of months ago, I bought my first piece of new art for the house. My mom and I were at an art store off I-70 to look for some art supplies that I didn't understand, my mom is the right brained one, not me DUH! But I can certainly BUY art... This picture is pretty big, maybe 2 feet by 3 feet, and even signed by the artist! I picked it up for a cool $25. Apparently, you can't even buy a canvas for that price - sweet! Anyway, its hanging at the end of my bed and makes me feel like I have a window there!! My first art hung in the house!

And last, but not least, I wanted to take a picture of all the awesome birthday cards I got this year! The one upside to turning 30 is that I got some fun cards! Thanks to all!

Not much else to report... My camera broke at my birthday party somehow, but I stumbled upon my old camera that I lost a few months ago! It is in pretty bad shape, but it took the above pictures for me, so I can't complain! I am in the market for some window treatments for my bay window, so the whole neighborhood can't see in, and I think I figured out what to do. Hopefully I can get that knocked out soon and get some pictures posted!!

This weekend is Nicki's Bachelorette PARTY!! I am sooo super excited, but I can be 125% sure that I will not drink as much as I did one night last month.