OUR FIRST VISIT: March 28, 2003

After some research and contact with a real estate agent, we decided to finally bite the bullet and head to Jacksonville, North Carolina (Camp Lejeune), for the weekend to see the area and start looking for a place to rent. It really was too early to look at rentals (since everything we looked at would surely be gone by the time we were ready to plunk down a deposit) but we went with our real estate agent anyway just to get a feel for what was in store for us. Read the full story...

A WHIRLWIND WEEK: March 29 - April 5

We were going crazy thinking about stuff we never drempt we'd be thinking of. I actually think we were on autopilot for a few days. Of course I, being the organizer, immediately created a hanging folder for all the information and paperwork we had...plus I started a notebook for any questions we had and thoughts that occurred. I didn't want to forget or overlook anything.

Of course, every 10 minutes we alternated between "WE'RE BUYING A HOUSE!" to "Something has got to go wrong. We won't get this house. It was too easy." After all, we hadn't bought the house yet. In our excitement over the whole thing (and our total cluelessness as to the actual house-buying-process), we actually thought we had already bought the house! Silly, silly us--we had just signed a contract for the offer to purchase the house! (Oh, the things you learn after the fact!) We did still have to gather lots of paperwork for the mortgage company, but our agent assured us he didn't anticipate any problems with us getting the loan.

Just to calm our nerves a little--and to hopefully prepare for future decisions--we spent some time at Home Depot looking at carpet and linoleum so we'd hopefully get an idea of what we liked before we had to make any decisions. We'd rather spend unhurried time here looking at everything and hashing it out--than end up having to spend three hours with the contractor arguing over minutiae. As it turned out, it's a good thing we did this, because our real estate agent called us mid-week to tell us it was time to pick out our carpet--the contractor was moving along quite rapidly and he was ready! This really caught us off-guard because we assumed we'd have a few weeks, or maybe we could even stop by Lowes to pick out stuff (if that's the vendor the contractor used). But nope--less than a week after we were in NC the first time, schedules were rearranged and we were headed back down! Unfortunately, I couldn't take off the whole weekend, so we didn't get to leave until Friday around 4 and I had to be back to work Sunday at 10.

OUR SECOND VISIT: April 5, 2003

After a short night's sleep (nastily interrupted at 3am by the alarm that the housekeeper apparently forgot to make sure was OFF), it was off to meet with the contractor at 7:45. He was an extremely nice and easygoing guy--we really liked him. As expected, we only had about 16 carpet samples to choose from--but I was immediately glad we had decided on color ahead of time. We knew we didn't want anything in the brown family, so that knocked out about six colors right there. Read the full story...

THE WAITING GAME: April 2003

April's theme so far has been paperwork and worry. Lots of paperwork for the mortgage guy to confirm the credit reports and lots of worry on our part. There hasn't really been anything specific to worry about--just the fact that we both have this feeling that something is going to go wrong--we can't be this lucky to get this house. We did ask what could possibly screw this up now, and the mortgage guy said not much, but was honest and said that my transfer to Staples was a factor--since they figured our loan amount based on my current salary and what I told them I would be making in Jacksonville. They have a letter from my GM stating my guaranteed earnings and my intent to transfer, but I'll surely (eventually) need a letter from Jacksonville stating their acceptance of my transfer and a confirmation of my earnings. Overall, it's not expected to be a problem...it's just a slight worry that they won't accept my transfer because I make too much money (from the other retail jobs I've seen ads for, the going rate is about $2 to $3 less per hour than I make)...and they don't HAVE to accept the transfer. So, we're taking one day at a time.

On the fun side, we've been researching appliances and paint and everything house-related. Friends of ours recently bought a house, so they've been a wealth of information--including a subscription to Consumer Reports which we've been taking advantage of!! Tom has been busily researching shed plans, fence plans, and workshop plans. I've been thinking and rethinking paint colors for all the rooms and trying to arrange the rooms before we get there.

SHOPPING, AND A PHONE CALL: April 19, 2003

So last night we went to IKEA for "one last time" since there's not one in NC...and we ended up finding the PERFECT dining room chairs. I've always loved the fabric covered look...and I absolutely HATE the ones that "came with" our table--they're much too small and uncomfortable for my big butt and they're not padded and they're slippery. All-around yuck. But they matched the table and they were only $50 each (you get what you pay for). Sooo, anyway, as far as I'm concerned, they've served their purpose and it's time for new ones. Anyhoo, I really only was looking for slipcovers (a la Trading Spaces!) but they didn't have any good ones (just some 70s-looking stretchy tube-top-looking ones--not!) so we started looking at chairs. And I just LOVE these. They are birch, so they match our table (although they'll be mostly covered up). And you can take the covers off to wash. They are a bit more expensive but they are SOOOO comfy and look so much more elegant! So, now I have to sell our current chairs. Hopefully someone around here will want to buy them. They're like new, for pete's sake, since we never sit at the table. Tom said to say "Used for 32 meals."

So, while we were shopping, our cell phone rang. First, it scared the bejesus out of us because we didn't know it was with us (it was in my purse and had been there who knows how long)--and second, who would be calling us on our cell??? It was Don, our realtor. He was just calling to say he was sitting in front of our house and wanted to let us know what was going on. They had put in the flooring, cupboards, and countertops--and the landscaping was done. LANDSCAPING? I knew they were going to throw down some grass seed, but actual landscaping? We must have missed that in the brochure. LOL So now, Tom and I are itching to go back down even more!! Unfortunately, the next few weekends are out--but we're planning!!

STAPLES TRANSFER IN PROGRESS: April 22, 2003

Tom had called our mortgage guy the day before just to check in and see how things were going. Everything was going fine, except that he said he was still waiting for a letter from the Jacksonville Staples regarding my transfer. Um, excuse me? Still waiting? He had told me before that we would probably need the letter, but he would let us know for sure. We hadn't heard anything so I wasn't worrying about the letter. So, now I had to. I talked to my General Manager and explained everything, so he called the Jacksonville Staples right then. Of course, I was paranoid that they would say they no longer had room for me...so imagine my surprise when it was the total opposite! Long story short, they would take me today if I could be down there. When my GM told them my start date would probably be July 1 (a sensible date I gave him, since we're moving on the 19th and are planning at least an 8-day trip to Michigan)--the manager said if I could get there sooner, it would be appreciated. Hoo boy. So, I'm not sure what I'm going to do about my start date, but at least it's great to know they still do want me and are looking forward to me arriving. So the paperwork has been faxed, and I'm giving it a few days before I call to check on their letter to the mortgage company.

On an actual house note, Tom called our contractor to check and see when the house would be done (since no one has given us a date so far). He said it should be completed by May 13, which is about two weeks before closing. We are trying to decide whether or not to go down that following weekend to see everything, or just wait until closing. I hate to make two trips so close together, but I don't think either of us will be able to wait until closing!

GOOD NEWS...AND BAD NEWS: April 24, 2003

So I get a call at work today from one of the managers at the Jacksonville Staples. He basically just called to say hello, let me know they were excited to get me, and let me know he got the paperwork--and to see if I had any questions for him. I asked about the letter for the mortgage company and he had no idea. Lovely. I said all the information was faxed at the same time as the transfer paperwork...but he didn't get that part. Okaaaay. So I explained to him what I needed and said I'd refax the info to him and he said it shouldn't be a problem. Then I explained about my start date--why it would probaly be July 1 and he was okay with it. He did tell me that they really need someone now, but they will hold the position for me until I get there. So, that's good. But then he says "So, did Todd talk to you about salary at all?" and I said no. He said "I see here on your paperwork that you make $9.25 an hour. Unfortunately, the highest I can start you at is $8.00--which is $2/hour more than I normally start people at." My heart almost stopped. I mean, I had known in the very back of my mind that it was possible, but I honestly didn't think it would happen. He went on to tell me that the Specialists there make about that much (as I make now), so he couldn't give me that. Then he said "How does that sit with you?" And I told him I didn't really have much choice as I really needed the job. But man, that's a huge pay cut for me. It's like starting all over--back to when I was hired. And that really sucks. He gave me the song and dance about how the cost of living is cheaper down there and all, but still. That's a huge pay cut for me. But what can you do? At least I can be thankful I have a job.

IT'S OFFICIAL!!: May 8, 2003

3:40pm: Our mortgage guy called me at work to tell me the paperwork is done and the loan has been approved!! So, we're FINALLY official!! Of course, I was totally geeked about it and couldn't even think about working the rest of my shift, so my manager let me go home (it also didn't hurt that we were overstaffed at the moment). The hardest part was not being able to share it with Tom right away--he's out in the field for two days (most of you will probably have found out before he did!).

4:30pm: I got another call from our realtor to set up the actual closing time and to try and set up the walk-through with the contractor. That's the only thing left, aside from the actual closing paperwork (which is still set for May 30). I called Tom and left him a message to call me ASAP because I was home early from work and had news for him! We're still planning on going down in two weeks to see everything completed (and take pictures, before it all gets too hectic) and to have the inspection done. We really debated about having a home inspection (and when I say really debated, I mean REALLY debated) but decided "better safe than sorry." So, we've got to get that scheduled. Hopefully it will work out so that we can do the walk-through with the inspector. If not, our realtor said he could do it.

5:30pm: After a flurry of calls from the realtor, we have finally set up the walk-through with the contractor. Since it's nearly impossible for us to be there on a weekday (the only time they do walk-throughs), we're going to do it right before the closing...so it's going to be a busy day!

6:15pm :Tom called (on schedule, since he thought I worked until 6) and I told him the news. He didn't quite believe me at first, but after I assured him the loan was a done deal, I admit I head a WAHOO from his end! Of course, he was totally geeked, too. HOMEOWNERS! OFFICIALLY! YIPPEE!

WE SAW IT AND LOVE IT!: May 16-17, 2003

We headed out Friday afternoon in rainy weather and ran into a few traffic jams on the way (seen in the first picture)--plus a detour OFF the highway due to a HazMat cleanup. Since we were so excited, we drove straight to our house (taking a back way we discovered, which saved some time). It was dark by the time we got there, but the electricity is connected, so we had lights. We loved it. Everything was perfect! Or so Tom thought until he saw the carpet. Read the full story...

INSPECTION COMPLETED: May 23, 2003

We got our inspection results and overall it was positive. However, there were two WOWs. One, there was a lot of "average construction quality" and "generally good condition" type comments that worried me slightly because, well, this IS A NEW HOUSE and I would expect more than average and generally good...but Dad confirmed it was the typical inspection BS. Two, the one major thing found was that the attic did not have insulation!! When we talked to our realtor, he was shocked and was definitely going to talk to the contractor! We're waiting to hear how it went, because we fear the worst. Why? Because the contractor has been GREAT so far (so we don't anticipate any problems) but you never know. He could suddenly become the contractor from hell or the contractor we never see. I'm just paranoid because things have gone so well this far!

PAINT BOUGHT!: May 24, 2003

We finally decided on a few colors for some of the rooms so we braved the Memorial Day Weekend traffic and went to Fredericksburg to get our paint at Lowes (they had the brand of paint we wanted). The scans don't do the colors justice, but are good enough for you to get an idea. (The blotches you see are the actual paint smears.) Read the full story...

WE ARE HOMEOWNERS!: May 28 - June 1, 2003

Wednesday (28 May) Tom talked to our realtor and found out that the contractor IS NOT fixing any of the house problems before closing...including the MAJOR things the inspector found (like no insulation in the attic). HUH? The realtor originally told us that they typically don't fix anything until [after] the walk-through, but since our contractor knew we couldn't make it down during the week, and would not adjust his schedule for us, we had to schedule the walk-through on a weekday... Read the full story...

THE LAST OF THE PAINTING: June 6-8, 2003

Our last weekend of painting...the last thing we wanted to do, but best to get it done before all the furniture is there, right? It was such a wonderful feeling pulling into our driveway and knowing we were home...and of course, we felt just as home when we pulled into Lowes 20 minutes later (LOL) to get another gallon of paint and some odds and ends we forgot. We also ate dinner so we'd be fully prepared to paint when we got back home! Read the full story...

STORMS: July 2003

Last night, we had the biggest storm yet! We were actually worried it might be a tornado. It always starts with thunder rumbling in the distance, then it's soundless lightning, then all of a sudden it's raining and then raining harder. This time, it was raining so hard and so fast--and the wind was blowing so hard--that the rain was actually being blown UP as it tried to fall off the roof. Read the full story...

WE'RE BACK ONLINE! UPDATE!: July 8, 2003

Hello all! We're finally back online... Things here are hectic. Tom has been busy with yard work. It's hotter than hell out there (I think today had a 110 heat index) and I think he's insane, but he wanted a yard and now he has one! On a bad day, he showers about three times. I tend to stay inside where it's nice and cool! The only time I stray outside is when I have to do laundry--and the garage is ALWAYS a sauna so I try to make it quick. We have a few trees to plant (there were on clearance at Lowe's) in addition to the finding the perfect home for the new lilac bush (thanks again, mom). Tom's next big project, aside from the little honey-do lists I give him, is to put up major shelves in the garage to hold all the crap that won't fit in the house. Remember me saying we'd have enough stuff for a three-bedroom house? I was wrong. We have enough stuff for a six-bedroom house! LOL Seriously, if we had a basement, everything would be peachy...but we don't--and we don't want to use the guest bedroom as storage again--so things are still somewhat crowded.

We're in the last stages (I hope) of getting settled. Most of the major things are put away (food, dishes, kitchen stuff) but there's so much little stuff left. You know, all that stuff that never really had a good "home" to begin with. And all the stuff that just doesn't happen to fit like it did before (this shelf is 1/2" too short or that cupboard is 1" too shallow). And, of course, there's lots of stuff that will need to be rearranged once the garage shelves are in. Dad, you would be thrilled to know that I finally broke down and let Tom get the table saw he wanted (we even had to drive an hour, one way, to get it). I mean, I had to if I wanted shelves any time soon! He's in heaven and actually putting it together tonight...wait, was that a saw I heard in the background? :) We also have to figure out the dresser situation in the bedroom (it's quite small once the king bed and headboard gets in there) and until we do, there are five huge boxes of clothes sitting there, waiting. It's official: WE HAVE WAY TOO MUCH CRAP. The good thing is we're having a community garage sale soon. There are about four of us who thought it would be a great idea--and we're all looking forward to it.

Speaking of neighbors, we love ours. They're all wonderful. We usually talk to them every other day, if not daily (one couple walks their dog and baby and stop as they pass by the house and another walks her dog and stops by). Last night, there was, let me count, 13 of us out there (8 adults, 3 kids, 2 dogs). I LOVE HAVING NEIGHBORS! We've had dinner at Neil and Heidi's about four times...we're just waiting to get our house done so we can return the favor!

I've been back to work two days and it feels like I never even had a break. Sad, isn't it? The customers haven't been bad and my coworkers are nice enough...but my feet and neck/shoulders are so sore by the end of the day I can barely stand it. It's all I can do to not collapse when I get home. I apparently need to start my Motrin regimen again. Unfortunately, it's the same store activity-wise as Stafford, which means I stand around a lot and try to look busy. It's not bad overall (at least I'm used to it and at least I have a job) but the hardest part (aside from taking the pay cut) is not knowing where anything is in the store. Blech. I've looked in the want ads but they're a joke. When a security guard position is being offered at $6.75/hour, there doesn't seem much hope for me. I am, however, heading to the sign shop Thursday and begging for a job if I have to. :) I'd even take a pay cut to work there!

The only other news is that I think this house is trying to kill me--or at least maim me. No kidding. Remember the painting weekend when I smashed my toe? Well, it still hurts so I'm sure I broke it or fractured it or something. Well, since then, in a span of two days, I injured three more toes. (I really need to start wearing shoes around the house.) First, I stubbed a toe on a cooler while doing laundry (Tom moved it unbeknownst to me). That ripped the nail half off my big toe. Later that day, I smashed another toe into a dresser and there was more blood. Hoo boy. I also smacked my head into the dryer door. Then, to top it all off... getting ready for bed and doing one last thing... Tom opened a door to take a box out onto the porch but it wouldn't fit so he shoved another box out of the way...and wouldn't you know it...there was a heavy cooling rack leaning against the box, which fell and smashed yet another toe (more ripped skin, more blood, more Band-Aids). I didn't know whether to laugh or cry--so I did both. It was so ironic that it was sort of Tom's fault, because he had been blaming me and telling me it was all my fault and I needed to be more careful. So, I started work the next day with four "broken" toes.

Well, I guess that's the gist of everything for now. There will be more pics in the near future.

TOM'S PROMOTION PARTY (WETDOWN): August 9, 2003

I just couldn't sleep anymore (thinking about everything), so I was up by 7:30 (listening to the rain POURING down). I also wanted some time to be able to relax, if possible, so I wasn't running around at the last minute. The only thing left to do to get the inside of the house ready, really, was clear off all the surfaces that were full of crap (i.e. the dining room table, the coffee table, the kitchen counters), so all that stuff went into huge rubbermaid containers and into the guest shower! Voila! Instantly clutter free! Read the full story...

STAY TUNED!