When CC moved to Indiana, I promised him I would move wherever he wanted to go when the Son got out of school. We have gone house hunting and have found a home in a perfect neighborhood that is the perfect size and a perfect price. It was really unexpected. When we went to Florida, it was more for the sunshine and the break from our day to day life, not to find a house for us. When I was looking for my current home, I know I looked at no less than 30 homes. My poor realtor was worn out by the time I figured out what was going to be the house for me. CC and I found ours on the second one....
Last night we decided we were going to take the plunge. The situation isn't exactly ideal but we decided to put in a bid on the house in Temple Terrace. We have the money to do it. We will probably have two mortgages for a while but we are going for it.
I talked with Dad this morning and he called the realtor for the house and submitted our offer verbally and is drawing up the paperwork tonight. the realtor has been trying to reach the owner, (he lives in PA) and we will go from there. Dad is also setting up all of the inspections, etc. that will be needed and is speaking with a couple of mortgage brokers and bank on our behalf. I have contacted the realtor from the sale of my last house and she is coming over tomorrow night to get my current house listed. I know it will take at least 4-6 months to sell this one. I am banking on us getting this house. I know that CC thinks I'm crazy for going ahead and listing but neither of us have jobs in Tampa but have put in an offer so why not be crazy all the way around?
There are a couple of jobs in our market office in Tampa that I am qualified for. One I would prefer over the other. I kind of need to know how the whole house thing is going to work out before I start posting for new jobs. The perfect situation would be if I could keep the job I have and work remotely, traveling to Louisville for a couple of days a month or something along those lines but I know that is not going to happen.
I talked with the Son tonight about it all. He seems a bit resigned I think. He doesn't want to live with his dad. I told him not a lot will change. He will still get a car and I would take care of insurance, etc. I would still put him through NADC when he is ready to attend. I reassured him that this isn't happening tomorrow but with all of the job insecurity here, it is better for me to move where there is work and downsize my home and house payment. I guess he understands. At least he fakes it well if he doesn't. I'm on the fence, not sure how he really feels. I guess only time will tell. I had to say something to him tonight though because the listing agent will be over tomorrow evening. He made it clear he did not want to move to Florida so moving with his dad is his only choice.
I have never lived out of this area. I am a bit scared. Just because it is new and outside of my element, not because I don't want to. I really want to have this new adventure with CC. Maybe scared isn't the right word. I'm extremely excited and a bit apprehensive. That seems to fit a bit better.
Bottom line is, I am confident in our decision and I know this is the right thing for us.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Walking on Sunshine
CC and I went on a long weekend trip to Tampa. It has been a while and we really needed the break. I have been looking at houses online for months, just wishful thinking as the Son is still in school and we decided we would browse around the town and try to narrow the search process down to an area. (It's an awful big place to be surfing for real estate). We have a couple that intrigued us and Dad was nice enough to set up showings of the houses for Saturday.
We decided to take Allegiant Air to Tampa. It looked like it would be a good deal. The problem is that they only fly out of Lexington, so we had a drive before we could fly. They also only fly to Tampa at one time and home at one time so that was definitely a limitation. Next time we will just take Southwest.
We arrived late Thursday night, and got our rental car. CC got us a convertible Mustang! It was nice and comfortable after the long flight. We found some food, the motel and got to bed. Friday morning we got up and decided to drive around and enjoy the day. We found neighborhoods of houses we liked, and drove past the ones we would be touring the next day. The weather warmed up to the mid to upper 60's and we drove around with the top down on the car. I think a lot of the locals thought we were crazy tourists! The sun was shining and was so warm! (Especially since the highs at home were hovering in the mid 20's). We went to Ybor City which is supposed to be a hip part of town. It was a bit disappointing. Although there were restaurants and bars and some shopping, there was not any decent housing beyond condos and apartments. After lunch and a quick walking tour of the area we were off again. We stopped at Wally world for a couple of Lightning t-shirts as we were going to the game a bit later. Tangent time: They are all the same. It doesn't matter what state, what part of town. Walmart always caters to a "special" segment of the US population.
We arrived in plenty of time for the game and were able to get a bite, a beer, and have a look about the arena. They have everything from your basic soft pretzel to Outback Steakhouse. We found a booth with garlic fries. I MEAN GARLIC FRIES. Oh my! They warned us, but wow!!! I'm so glad CC had some too because it was some potent stuff. Mix that with beer and our breath was kicking! Speaking of beer, they had Labatt's. Not too uncommon but they had it in 24oz CANS! With koozies you can buy to keep them cold. They were tasty! We ended up having three a piece! The beer really helped when it came to the game. In the first period the score was 4 to 1 Devils. Needless to say, they are seriously lacking in the goal tender department. we did talk to some nice people in the stands. We had really close seats, third row behind the Devil's bench.
It was neat to see a game in a different venue. I must say though I am really spoiled by how fun the Predators games are. The atmosphere is much better in Nashville. The music, the crowd. There were a lot of empty seats at the Lightning game and it was on a Friday night. By all rights it should have been sold out. It was kind of a shame. They could use some help in the music department. A bit heavy on the AC/DC and not much else. They even had the organ music... I must say they have the most lame mascot I think I have ever seen. Especially for a professional sports team. When I think of lightning I think of Zeus, thunderbolts. I really wasn't expecting a lightning bug. It was cute in a children's show, Barney kind of way. Not a mascot for a hockey team. UGH!
After all of the beer and the excitement of losing a game, we made our way back to the motel. Someone slid ads for pizza under the door while we were out. In my happy buzzed state I decided we needed to have some pizza. So, in 30 minutes or less, pizza was delivered right to the room. :)
Saturday arrived and we had pizza again for breakfast! We jumped in the car and went out scouring additional neighborhoods and areas of town. We had a bit of time before Dad was to arrive and decided we would drive out to the suburbs. There is a plethora of housing in the suburbs so we thought we would check it out and see how far of a commute it would be into town. PACK A LUNCH! It seemed as if it took forever to get out to the home we chose to look for. We decided most definitely that particular zip code was not for us.
After an outdoor lunch at Panera, we left to return to the motel to meet Dad. After everyone checked in we were off. We looked at the first house in Temple Terrace we had chosen. It was a Mediterranean Revival. It had a nice lot and the closest neighbor was a school and a library. No one right next to the house. There would be a bit of work involved with the home but we liked it. The realtor for that home had another house she added to our list. She knew we wanted a house with character and showed us another house in Temple Terrace. We loved it!! It was petite 3/2/1. slate and terrazzo flooring. Beautiful neighborhood where we could see the river from a covered porch on the front of the house under a live oak tree. It really reached out to speak to us. We looked at a few other houses including a mystery house we stumbled across on the Hillsborough River. After all of that house hunting we were hungry so we went to dinner at Kona Grill. Three of us opted for the sea bass. It melted in my mouth! The brownie dessert was a big one for sharing. The service was excellent and we had a wonderful time.
Our flight home was at the crack of dawn! No more Allegiant Air. We had a 0720 flight out so by the time we flew to lexington and drove home it was 1130. The whole way home all I could think about was that house. ...
We decided to take Allegiant Air to Tampa. It looked like it would be a good deal. The problem is that they only fly out of Lexington, so we had a drive before we could fly. They also only fly to Tampa at one time and home at one time so that was definitely a limitation. Next time we will just take Southwest.
We arrived in plenty of time for the game and were able to get a bite, a beer, and have a look about the arena. They have everything from your basic soft pretzel to Outback Steakhouse. We found a booth with garlic fries. I MEAN GARLIC FRIES. Oh my! They warned us, but wow!!! I'm so glad CC had some too because it was some potent stuff. Mix that with beer and our breath was kicking! Speaking of beer, they had Labatt's. Not too uncommon but they had it in 24oz CANS! With koozies you can buy to keep them cold. They were tasty! We ended up having three a piece! The beer really helped when it came to the game. In the first period the score was 4 to 1 Devils. Needless to say, they are seriously lacking in the goal tender department. we did talk to some nice people in the stands. We had really close seats, third row behind the Devil's bench.
 |
| 24 oz. Labatt's. Who knew? |
It was neat to see a game in a different venue. I must say though I am really spoiled by how fun the Predators games are. The atmosphere is much better in Nashville. The music, the crowd. There were a lot of empty seats at the Lightning game and it was on a Friday night. By all rights it should have been sold out. It was kind of a shame. They could use some help in the music department. A bit heavy on the AC/DC and not much else. They even had the organ music... I must say they have the most lame mascot I think I have ever seen. Especially for a professional sports team. When I think of lightning I think of Zeus, thunderbolts. I really wasn't expecting a lightning bug. It was cute in a children's show, Barney kind of way. Not a mascot for a hockey team. UGH!
After all of the beer and the excitement of losing a game, we made our way back to the motel. Someone slid ads for pizza under the door while we were out. In my happy buzzed state I decided we needed to have some pizza. So, in 30 minutes or less, pizza was delivered right to the room. :)
Saturday arrived and we had pizza again for breakfast! We jumped in the car and went out scouring additional neighborhoods and areas of town. We had a bit of time before Dad was to arrive and decided we would drive out to the suburbs. There is a plethora of housing in the suburbs so we thought we would check it out and see how far of a commute it would be into town. PACK A LUNCH! It seemed as if it took forever to get out to the home we chose to look for. We decided most definitely that particular zip code was not for us.
After an outdoor lunch at Panera, we left to return to the motel to meet Dad. After everyone checked in we were off. We looked at the first house in Temple Terrace we had chosen. It was a Mediterranean Revival. It had a nice lot and the closest neighbor was a school and a library. No one right next to the house. There would be a bit of work involved with the home but we liked it. The realtor for that home had another house she added to our list. She knew we wanted a house with character and showed us another house in Temple Terrace. We loved it!! It was petite 3/2/1. slate and terrazzo flooring. Beautiful neighborhood where we could see the river from a covered porch on the front of the house under a live oak tree. It really reached out to speak to us. We looked at a few other houses including a mystery house we stumbled across on the Hillsborough River. After all of that house hunting we were hungry so we went to dinner at Kona Grill. Three of us opted for the sea bass. It melted in my mouth! The brownie dessert was a big one for sharing. The service was excellent and we had a wonderful time.
Our flight home was at the crack of dawn! No more Allegiant Air. We had a 0720 flight out so by the time we flew to lexington and drove home it was 1130. The whole way home all I could think about was that house. ...
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Vacation at Last!
It has been quite some time since CC and I have left town for vacation. (I don't think hockey in Nashville in November should count). We haven't been on a proper trip since our trip to New Orleans in September. We really need the break. The holidays, Mom's hospitalization, CC's crappy job, antics of the Son and crunch time at my job have really taken it out of us. We need to recharge.
Dad is going to meet us on Saturday. We have asked for him to show us three houses. We have selected a couple of Mediterranean revivals and a large arts and crafts home. They are very reasonably priced and we are hoping that the neighborhoods are good. We have decided to start checking out real estate and the area so we can at least narrow our search a bit. We have both been to Tampa for different reasons. CC as a route to Clearwater Beach and for me, it was always about work. I guess for once I have spent more time in a place than CC has. (That is really saying something because I never go anywhere).
The weather right now isn't great. It is in the upper 50's, low 60's. I think that's great because it beats the lower 20's we have as a high here in the Ville. The wind chill is brutal and for some reason it won't stop snowing. UGH!
Florida, here we come!!!!
Dad is going to meet us on Saturday. We have asked for him to show us three houses. We have selected a couple of Mediterranean revivals and a large arts and crafts home. They are very reasonably priced and we are hoping that the neighborhoods are good. We have decided to start checking out real estate and the area so we can at least narrow our search a bit. We have both been to Tampa for different reasons. CC as a route to Clearwater Beach and for me, it was always about work. I guess for once I have spent more time in a place than CC has. (That is really saying something because I never go anywhere).
The weather right now isn't great. It is in the upper 50's, low 60's. I think that's great because it beats the lower 20's we have as a high here in the Ville. The wind chill is brutal and for some reason it won't stop snowing. UGH!
Florida, here we come!!!!
Sunday, January 9, 2011
When Shopping Was Fun...
There was a time when all I wanted to do was shop. I could be dropped in an unfamiliar city and sniff out a mall without batting an eye. It was something I enjoyed, something I was good at. There was nothing I could not find, not to mention on sale. I could remember what I paid for most of my belongings because the deal was so good, I just had to spread the news.
The day has finally come. I believe I have moved past the fun. Today was one of the most disheartening shopping experiences ever. Thank goodness it was brief. Shopping is now officially a chore. While the idea of shopping can still put a glimmer in my eye, the reality is it is nothing but a depressing waltz through my physical faults in all their glory.
I used to be thin. In shape. Over time I have waxed and waned with my weight but lately I swear it has become awful. Today's example, CC and I went shopping. Just to Kohl's. I needed a couple pairs of casual slacks as I have to go on a business trip where "business casual" is the wardrobe. I am all or none when it comes to apparel. Suits or jeans. So, I needed to run to the store. While we were in the store CC said, "I think you have a tear in your pants". I was thinking it was the corners where the pockets always pull. I turned to look in a mirror and sure enough there was a longitudinal tear right along the full length of a pocket. Nice. I have gotten to where I am busting out of pants. It took everything I had to keep from crying today. I know he hates it so I try not to. It's hard sometimes. I get so disappointed in myself.
I was finally feeling pretty good. I know I need to lose weight but I have been feeling better about my security with how CC feels about me. Feeling good about me. This was nothing but a slap in the face. Reality landed right on my broad butt.
We have a gym membership. We have equipment here in the house. It just seems that since CC's mother and my mother's illness, we have fallen off the wagon. CC never knows when he is going to get off from work. They just keep adding cases. Many nights he doesn't get home until after 8 at night. I have been trying to do better with portion control, snacking etc. That doesn't make up for the lack of exercise. I guess I am going to have to go regardless of whether CC can go with me. I hate to exercise alone but I need to do something. I can't bear to look this way. I have been tiny my entire life. I don't know how to be heavy and okay with it. I'm just disgusted.
The day has finally come. I believe I have moved past the fun. Today was one of the most disheartening shopping experiences ever. Thank goodness it was brief. Shopping is now officially a chore. While the idea of shopping can still put a glimmer in my eye, the reality is it is nothing but a depressing waltz through my physical faults in all their glory.
 |
| An example of how I see myself, then and now. (I don't have any pictures of me to post so this is the closest I could find). |
I was finally feeling pretty good. I know I need to lose weight but I have been feeling better about my security with how CC feels about me. Feeling good about me. This was nothing but a slap in the face. Reality landed right on my broad butt.
We have a gym membership. We have equipment here in the house. It just seems that since CC's mother and my mother's illness, we have fallen off the wagon. CC never knows when he is going to get off from work. They just keep adding cases. Many nights he doesn't get home until after 8 at night. I have been trying to do better with portion control, snacking etc. That doesn't make up for the lack of exercise. I guess I am going to have to go regardless of whether CC can go with me. I hate to exercise alone but I need to do something. I can't bear to look this way. I have been tiny my entire life. I don't know how to be heavy and okay with it. I'm just disgusted.
Friday, January 7, 2011
The New Car Experience
Thursday I was able to take the car to work. It is really a pleasure driving an automatic for a change. I left a bit early to run over to the bank (just the next block) to sign the loan paperwork. It didn't take any time at all and I was on my way.
I was on my way out of the parking garage and in the queue to the exit. There was a pick up truck in the lane whose driver was busy talking with the garage attendant in the booth. I had a Blazer in front of me behind the truck. I wasn't in a big hurry and was quite a distance behind. Apparently, he was in a big hurry and threw his vehicle in reverse and backed up RIGHT INTO MY CAR! Now mind you, I saw him doing this and laid on the horn (it works!) so this prevented him from doing a lot of damage but there are several scratches on the front bumper (right around where the dog's head is in the picture). He moved to drive off and I had jumped out of the car and channeled my inner sailor and my cheerleader lungs and "got his attention". He kept complaining he was in a hurry, there wasn't anything wrong with my car, if I file a claim he will fight it, yada yada. I told him I had only had it 24 hours, he has hit the car and it will be looked at. I got his insurance information and his drivers license number and gave him mine and he left. He DID NOT bother to give me a phone number. The guy was a total ass to me the entire time. There were several witnesses in the garage (attendant, security etc.). My insurance agent was flabbergasted when I relayed the story and immediately filed a claim with his insurance company.
The man called me this morning at the office. The information I provided to him was written on the back of my business card. He began the conversation by telling me "I thought you were going to get it looked at, you contacted my insurance company." I told him since I had no phone number and since he appeared to start to drive off yesterday, I had no confidence he would contact me and therefore my insurance agent called his agency. He was pretty crappy today as well, trying to chide me for calling, stating of course he would call me, in essence, trying to intimidate me. He was disappointed at the end of the call. This fellow works at the same company I do. Thank goodness we do not work in areas that ever cross paths. He was such a jerk I don't know if I would be able to contain myself if I had to be around him. He is a programmer so that explains his lack of social skills to some extent. The adjuster was to have called me today and didn't. Figures he would have lame insurance.
I don't know why I was so surprised. Nothing is ever mine until there is something wrong with it. The last car got a bicycle handle down a quarter panel, the car before that received a shopping cart in the front. Each of these incidents happened within the first month of ownership. I guess now this car is truly mine..
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