So this house hunting thing is definitely a roller coaster. There are ton's of houses of there, many have what you want but it boils down to the smallest things. Do I like this layout? Can our furniture fit in here? Do we really need these 42" cupboards? Is the backyard large enough? Do we like the stucco? What about the safety of a corner lot? Can we afford to put new carpet in? Will the seller accept this offer? There are so many questions!! There are also thousands of other buyers who are looking, waiting for the hot price to go down just a few thousand, looking for almost all the updates we dream about. Then just when you think you found the one, and can handle all the repairs (if there are any) someone else snatches it up, from right out under you. One minute your excited, the next night your scared to be excited. So that's been an adventure we've been going through lately. And I don't think I am going to share any details or photo's until we are in a contract, then closed and it's our house, just because I am terrified to jynx anything.
On another note, Florida has been a lot better. It's been frustrating waiting for my paychecks to get here in the mail. The change of address was a mess, not to mention the change of address on top of the apartments assigning us a the wrong apartment. Ughhh.. that did not create the funnest situation. So I've been wanting to go to Saint Augustine, which is only 20 minutes away from our apartments. There is a lot to do, the beach, and shopping. So we were supposed to go last weekend, but didn't since we went to look at houses instead, and because my paychecks had not arrived yet. So we were going to go this weekend. Then Erik gets a text message from a friend asking him to go camping. I hate telling him no, ya know? I mean yeah, I do get a little upset when our plans get canceled or moved around and stuff, but he hasn't been home for the past two years, and he deserves to hang out and camp and stuff. It's not like I don't know he hates shopping, but it's not like I can't go by myself. We have one car until my Jeep gets here. Plus it's no fun going alone! I don't have any girlfriends really down here. Ughh.. moving sucks sometimes. But I don't know.. I want to tell him to go and then I want to say no, we had plans. It's dumb.. really it is. I know this. But I don't want to be the wicked girlfriend all the time. We're going to have a lot of things going on and I know it'll make it tough to hang out with friends, and do the things we want to do. I don't know..
The sun hasn't been out here lately, but my garden is going nutso! It makes me happy knowing I have a 'green thumb'. I can't wait to expand it once we are in a home. Hopefully Mr. Sunshine will be out soon!
Showing posts with label house hunting. Show all posts
Showing posts with label house hunting. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Oh more house hunting
So we are now venturing into this huge home buying ordeal. Don't get me wrong I am absolutely ecstatic to get into a actual home where I can paint, and decorate, and move things at 2 in the morning on a watch night. Where I can run around in next to nothing and be a complete goof and not worry about having the music up too loud for my neighbors and when I don't have to get annoyed at my neighbors for being too loud. More than anything I just can't wait to put the years of HGTV watching and Southern Living reading to good use! To plant my garden, and to have our home.
Sometimes I feel as if even the smallest things are so jumbled up for me, like I should have boundaries but I don't. I know that makes no sense.. let me explain my thinking a bit.. it might or might not help. As a girlfriend there are certain things that are 'off limits' such as finances, knowing billing statuses, big purchases things like that and things that are okay.. but I don't feel like that. We are so open about everything, it doesn't ever feel like things are off limits. Venturing into this home buying with Erik, it's hard to know my place in all of this. Do I say I love this house? Do I say I absolutely hate it? It's hard sometimes, I know deep down it will be our home but in reality it's his house. We've been together for a while, and sometimes it is just hard to know where I stand.
We were up house hunting last night, and man do some people not have a decorating bone in their body. Some of these houses are just decorated horrifically. It's like a crack head went through and decorated it.. horrible. There are some pretty interesting things you see looking through all the homes that are for sale.
On a separate note I am feeling a lot better, I'm a lot happier and more like my 'normal' self.. I've been off birth control for two weeks now, I can't wait to see what a month brings.. It's just good to be getting back to myself again. I don't feel like I have a boulder pressing down on me anymore and I feel like I can tackle just about anything. Thank goodness. On top of that I have lost about 5 pounds already. I don't know if its necessarily the birth control or if it's just myself eating healthier and wiser. What I do know is I am about 15 pounds away from my goal weight, thankfully, and in 15 pounds I will be the weight I was when I graduated high school. Even if I only loose 10 more pounds, I will still be happy. I don't necessarily think it will be hard, but I think its definitely do-able. I'm starting to volunteer at the horse farm this Sunday, and that in its self is a workout, have you ever worked at a barn? Definitely an all around workout. But I am excited! I'm thrilled to be getting to work with my passion again, and knowing we are house hunting in that area makes it even more exciting :)
Happy Hump Day!
Sometimes I feel as if even the smallest things are so jumbled up for me, like I should have boundaries but I don't. I know that makes no sense.. let me explain my thinking a bit.. it might or might not help. As a girlfriend there are certain things that are 'off limits' such as finances, knowing billing statuses, big purchases things like that and things that are okay.. but I don't feel like that. We are so open about everything, it doesn't ever feel like things are off limits. Venturing into this home buying with Erik, it's hard to know my place in all of this. Do I say I love this house? Do I say I absolutely hate it? It's hard sometimes, I know deep down it will be our home but in reality it's his house. We've been together for a while, and sometimes it is just hard to know where I stand.
We were up house hunting last night, and man do some people not have a decorating bone in their body. Some of these houses are just decorated horrifically. It's like a crack head went through and decorated it.. horrible. There are some pretty interesting things you see looking through all the homes that are for sale.
On a separate note I am feeling a lot better, I'm a lot happier and more like my 'normal' self.. I've been off birth control for two weeks now, I can't wait to see what a month brings.. It's just good to be getting back to myself again. I don't feel like I have a boulder pressing down on me anymore and I feel like I can tackle just about anything. Thank goodness. On top of that I have lost about 5 pounds already. I don't know if its necessarily the birth control or if it's just myself eating healthier and wiser. What I do know is I am about 15 pounds away from my goal weight, thankfully, and in 15 pounds I will be the weight I was when I graduated high school. Even if I only loose 10 more pounds, I will still be happy. I don't necessarily think it will be hard, but I think its definitely do-able. I'm starting to volunteer at the horse farm this Sunday, and that in its self is a workout, have you ever worked at a barn? Definitely an all around workout. But I am excited! I'm thrilled to be getting to work with my passion again, and knowing we are house hunting in that area makes it even more exciting :)
Happy Hump Day!
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Getting there
So yesterday was a little stressful for us, and unfortunately I tend to have a bad habit of taking it out on my lovebug or getting snappy before thinking. And yesterday wasn't really different. We did go and see a few places, some that I didn't like and one that we really liked. Unfortunately, the one we really liked is at the top end of our budget (we try and stay under BAH) so we shall see, we are actually going to visit one of their sister companies today who I think are slightly cheaper and closer to base, so maybe that'll be the winner?? Who knows.. but back to the stress. Erik's been pretty stressed out about finding a place, he is more of the I want to find a place, and get it done now guy - very similar to his shopping habit (go figure). Erik was deployed when I found and moved into our current apartment. He was home when we rented a beach house - but that was really easy to choose from :) so this is a new ball game to him. And I do forget that, and really should be more patient with him. BUT when it comes to driving, I have not a clue where I am going, and am horrible at reading maps and giving distances (like really, how can you tell how far up a mile is??) . Well yesterday was one of those days, again, that we bickered for a little bit (because it never really lasts longer than 15 minutes, lol!) . Erik's gotten really used to me and Virginia Beach, and me knowing every road, where its at, the back roads if 264 is backed up, the shortcuts, basically knowing Virginia Beach like the back of my hand. Well I have never been to Jacksonville - never wanted to go either. And so the navigation has been putting us at each others throats. On top of that - Erik's a little worried about not finding a place, where as I know it just really takes time and exploring and I am a little bit more laid back with it (especially since I've done this before, and not too long ago). But even though I know Erik is stressed over all of this, when he gets snippy, or upset I get snippy or upset right back at him. Sigh... I know I shouldn't, I really do know this, but part of me feels attacked when he does it, so it's more of an instinct to go right back at him. So last night wasn't an exception, I took it a little bit harder than normal (I've been super emotional lately, not really sure if it is because of the new environment or what but I'm ober emotional). So anyhow, we talked it over after about 15 minutes, and he finally realized (on his own, because I wasn't going to say it) that this is a lot harder on me than him and that we are both out of our element and need to sort of relax.
So we are going to take a day, and only visit 2 apartments maximum and go explore and relax more importantly. Because it's stressful, but we also need to rely on each other during this and not fight about it because that will only add to the load. So sometime this week will be some much needed relaxing.
So hopefully, these emotional hormones go somewhere else, because I really am tired of crying at the drop of a pin. And hopefully we have some good luck today with the house hunting and hopefully some daylight hours to go drive around the neighborhoods we are looking to buy in.
-Anne
On a side note, I am really still trying to figure out how to make my blog all pretty, so please be patient, hopefully here soon I can figure out how to make a pretty signature. :) Any recommendations or suggestions would be great.
So we are going to take a day, and only visit 2 apartments maximum and go explore and relax more importantly. Because it's stressful, but we also need to rely on each other during this and not fight about it because that will only add to the load. So sometime this week will be some much needed relaxing.
So hopefully, these emotional hormones go somewhere else, because I really am tired of crying at the drop of a pin. And hopefully we have some good luck today with the house hunting and hopefully some daylight hours to go drive around the neighborhoods we are looking to buy in.
-Anne
On a side note, I am really still trying to figure out how to make my blog all pretty, so please be patient, hopefully here soon I can figure out how to make a pretty signature. :) Any recommendations or suggestions would be great.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Jacksonville...
So everyone, we made it safely down to Jacksonville FL on our house hunting leave. The drive wasn't too bad at all just under 9 hours from the beach, and it was a pretty clear shot - which is always nice. We did drive through some snow which I took like a billion pictures of. But we are here..
So let me start with saying this is my first PCS move with Erik. I've moved before with my family when I was younger, but that is completely different. I am trying really hard to have an open mind about the area and just sort of take it for what it is. Honestly, I was really hoping that I was going to love the place as soon as we got here. But that wasn't the case.
Everything here is so different from Virginia Beach, and everything is so BIG. I feel as if I've never lived in a city before, which isn't true - I've lived on the outskirts of Virginia Beach my whole life - and Virginia Beach is a pretty big place (at least I thought it was). But like I was saying everything is so big, the bridges are huge - taller than buildings - and its just so much. I have no clue where anything is or where the good areas are at. We've done a ton of driving around and exploring and it isn't hard to find the not so nice area's. Price wise - living is cheaper here by a big amount. I just don't know - I know I am really nervous about moving so far away from my family (even though I don't have the best relationship with them, they are still my family) and moving away from friends who I have grown so close with. I'm nervous about what people are like here- we took a trip to the base commissary and NEX and people were so rude, and there isn't even a package store here!! But back to people - they are rude and don't really seem to care about what anyone thinks, says, or does. I know there are rude people everywhere, but seriously. I'm also really worried about making new friends (yes that sounds completely dumb and childish but here me out). It's always been my experience in the Navy world, that wives just plain and simply don't like girlfriends and vice versa. I get along great with everyone for the most part - and I try really hard to stay away from drama and give people respect - so I expect the same in return. A lot of Navy Wives have the attitude of being better than girlfriends, because they have the ring, the last name, and the benefits, and many seem to forget that at some point they themselves were girlfriends (this is just my experience - not stereotyping). With that said - being a girlfriend blows sometimes (not relationship wise) I don't have the reliability of the Navy taking care of me while Erik was deployed, if something (god forbid) had happened while he was gone - I wouldn't of known until his family called me. I don't have a lot of security - I'm simply moving 700 miles away from my home to be with him, for love. Anyways- basically - I'm worried that I won't have the same luck that I have had with my navy friends in Virginia. I am also really, really worried about my safety here, certain areas are really bad and we aren't intending on living there - but ever since a Navy Wife was murdered by her upstairs neighbor in a nice apartment complex in Virginia Beach, I have been worried. I know we have guns, and I know we are generally safe people - but it is still really worrisome to move somewhere so far, and not know your just who lives near you.
I know at first it's going to be hard and that nothing comes easy. But I'm just nervous I guess - It's hard to explain it to Erik because he has already moved a few times, and hates Virginia Beach (an argument we got into the other day... uhh I hate when we are stressed out!). I'm hoping we have better luck apartment hunting today - we are going to sign a lease and then just terminate it early. We are really wanting to buy a home and down here the time is great - the housing market is at a low and the prices are perfect for where we want to be. Plus I hate paying rent - I rather have that money going towards somewhere we own.
On a side note the time here hasn't exactly been fun nor pleasant so far and that isn't because of the freezing weather or because Erik and I are stressed, its because his friend we are staying with, Devin (they are really good friends, and used to work together at NAS Oceana) and Devin's girlfriend Crystal (whom I am trying really hard to be friends with - since she is the only one I will know here) are constantly arguing - over dumb stuff. But it makes it one hard to concentrate - work wise, because I am hardwired to the Internet in the living room - and two it just makes the overall mood of the environment pretty shitty. I hate it. I hate feeling uncomfortable and having to hear them argue. It'd be different if they took it behind closed doors and kept it hush hush but that isn't the case. But at least it's better than paying for a hotel.
Enough rambling I guess - back to work for a few more hours and then back to house hunting. Fingers crossed that we find a place in a nice area.
So let me start with saying this is my first PCS move with Erik. I've moved before with my family when I was younger, but that is completely different. I am trying really hard to have an open mind about the area and just sort of take it for what it is. Honestly, I was really hoping that I was going to love the place as soon as we got here. But that wasn't the case.
Everything here is so different from Virginia Beach, and everything is so BIG. I feel as if I've never lived in a city before, which isn't true - I've lived on the outskirts of Virginia Beach my whole life - and Virginia Beach is a pretty big place (at least I thought it was). But like I was saying everything is so big, the bridges are huge - taller than buildings - and its just so much. I have no clue where anything is or where the good areas are at. We've done a ton of driving around and exploring and it isn't hard to find the not so nice area's. Price wise - living is cheaper here by a big amount. I just don't know - I know I am really nervous about moving so far away from my family (even though I don't have the best relationship with them, they are still my family) and moving away from friends who I have grown so close with. I'm nervous about what people are like here- we took a trip to the base commissary and NEX and people were so rude, and there isn't even a package store here!! But back to people - they are rude and don't really seem to care about what anyone thinks, says, or does. I know there are rude people everywhere, but seriously. I'm also really worried about making new friends (yes that sounds completely dumb and childish but here me out). It's always been my experience in the Navy world, that wives just plain and simply don't like girlfriends and vice versa. I get along great with everyone for the most part - and I try really hard to stay away from drama and give people respect - so I expect the same in return. A lot of Navy Wives have the attitude of being better than girlfriends, because they have the ring, the last name, and the benefits, and many seem to forget that at some point they themselves were girlfriends (this is just my experience - not stereotyping). With that said - being a girlfriend blows sometimes (not relationship wise) I don't have the reliability of the Navy taking care of me while Erik was deployed, if something (god forbid) had happened while he was gone - I wouldn't of known until his family called me. I don't have a lot of security - I'm simply moving 700 miles away from my home to be with him, for love. Anyways- basically - I'm worried that I won't have the same luck that I have had with my navy friends in Virginia. I am also really, really worried about my safety here, certain areas are really bad and we aren't intending on living there - but ever since a Navy Wife was murdered by her upstairs neighbor in a nice apartment complex in Virginia Beach, I have been worried. I know we have guns, and I know we are generally safe people - but it is still really worrisome to move somewhere so far, and not know your just who lives near you.
I know at first it's going to be hard and that nothing comes easy. But I'm just nervous I guess - It's hard to explain it to Erik because he has already moved a few times, and hates Virginia Beach (an argument we got into the other day... uhh I hate when we are stressed out!). I'm hoping we have better luck apartment hunting today - we are going to sign a lease and then just terminate it early. We are really wanting to buy a home and down here the time is great - the housing market is at a low and the prices are perfect for where we want to be. Plus I hate paying rent - I rather have that money going towards somewhere we own.
On a side note the time here hasn't exactly been fun nor pleasant so far and that isn't because of the freezing weather or because Erik and I are stressed, its because his friend we are staying with, Devin (they are really good friends, and used to work together at NAS Oceana) and Devin's girlfriend Crystal (whom I am trying really hard to be friends with - since she is the only one I will know here) are constantly arguing - over dumb stuff. But it makes it one hard to concentrate - work wise, because I am hardwired to the Internet in the living room - and two it just makes the overall mood of the environment pretty shitty. I hate it. I hate feeling uncomfortable and having to hear them argue. It'd be different if they took it behind closed doors and kept it hush hush but that isn't the case. But at least it's better than paying for a hotel.
Enough rambling I guess - back to work for a few more hours and then back to house hunting. Fingers crossed that we find a place in a nice area.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Better :)
Thankfully today was a somewhat better day than what I've been having. I finally got the results on my thyroid and sure enough my levels are down and the up'd my dosage. I can't wait to pick it up tomorrow and get on the road to feeling better. The joy's that I will get to deal with until, quite literally, the day that I die. But on a lighter note- once I feel better, things will me much, much better.
Work is going wonderful. I was offered more hours and more responsibilities, which I love. So I am really, really happy about that. And more hours means more money, which lets face it is always a plus.
School is winding down to an end, I've taken 2 finals and have 3 more to go. I've turned in one paper and have one more to write. I'm just glad this semester is over with. I'm not exactly sure what is going to happen with the GI bill because I am pretty sure I failed Anatomy and Physiology horribly. Never again will I take the lecture portion online. That ruined me. But you live and learn.
The only really bad thing about today was that Erik and I got into a tiff because he couldn't find a tool and of course yelled at me about it. But felt horrible about it a few minutes later. None of our bickering 'tiffs' never really last longer than 15 minutes but still it can dampen the mood for quite some time. But anyways.
So thankful to be on the road to recovery for tomorrow. It's going to be a busy, busy day. I've got work, a physics test, training, and vet appointment on base, and a waxing appointment. Only to come home do a load of laundry and pack for Florida.
I'm pretty excited about house hunting leave and anxious to see where I'm moving to, and what it's like there. :) I think it will be a load of fun and I am always down for exploring.
Till tomorrow- I hope everyone has a wonderful nights sleep, and has a blessed day tomorrow.
Work is going wonderful. I was offered more hours and more responsibilities, which I love. So I am really, really happy about that. And more hours means more money, which lets face it is always a plus.
School is winding down to an end, I've taken 2 finals and have 3 more to go. I've turned in one paper and have one more to write. I'm just glad this semester is over with. I'm not exactly sure what is going to happen with the GI bill because I am pretty sure I failed Anatomy and Physiology horribly. Never again will I take the lecture portion online. That ruined me. But you live and learn.
The only really bad thing about today was that Erik and I got into a tiff because he couldn't find a tool and of course yelled at me about it. But felt horrible about it a few minutes later. None of our bickering 'tiffs' never really last longer than 15 minutes but still it can dampen the mood for quite some time. But anyways.
So thankful to be on the road to recovery for tomorrow. It's going to be a busy, busy day. I've got work, a physics test, training, and vet appointment on base, and a waxing appointment. Only to come home do a load of laundry and pack for Florida.
I'm pretty excited about house hunting leave and anxious to see where I'm moving to, and what it's like there. :) I think it will be a load of fun and I am always down for exploring.
Till tomorrow- I hope everyone has a wonderful nights sleep, and has a blessed day tomorrow.
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