Busy

I want to put an apology out into the void to whomever I owe one to. I realize I have been difficult (if not impossible) to contact lately, but life seems a little chaotic.

Take this week, for instance:

Saturday - We (hubby, bro-in-law and I) moved Mike's cousin from the South Side to the top floor of a four-story walk up. While the entire family is thrilled to trade in hardcore gang bangers for the more gentrified gang bangers of her new neighborhood, we were not thrilled about the lack-of-elevator situation.

Sunday - While moving said cousin, our window regulator broke. Apparently a common problem in VW's, this meant we had to park our car on the city streets with the driver's side window down (a.k.a., stuck in the door). This also meant that Sunday was dedicated to, once again, thanking Baby Jesus for my brother-in-law who (with the help of my amazing husband) spent the better part of the day disassembling the car door and fixing the problem.

Monday - Bright and early, I am off to the airport. Exit on to 294 is closed. Alternate route is at a stand still because of crossing gate failure. Run into airport. Plane is delayed 145 minutes (for no good reason!). No movie... ON A FLIGHT TO SAN FRANCISCO! Spend the evening schmoozing.

Tuesday - Bright and early, back to (different) airport. Fly home and actually land a little early, which is very good because I need to rush to the dentist. They quickly numbed my face and insert my permanent crown. I went home, made dinner, and then had to drug myself because of residual tooth pain. But, of course, I cannot sleep because I managed to get jet lag in one day.

Wednesday - Off we go to the house inspection first thing in the morning. The good news is that there were not any problems we didn't expect and we liked (and trusted) the inspector. (Call for referral.) Then I was off to work - driving because it was so late. Someone want to explain how there is still rush hour traffic at noon on Wednesday?! I worked really late to make up for going in early and ended the day with another restless night.

Thursday - This is today. It's my Friday, because I took tomorrow off. That's a good thing because it was a rough day. It involved slamming my knee (which is now under frozen peas) into the corner of a tradeshow crate and then stabbing myself with a staple (finger now in band-aid). The hubby is running late, which is ok because it means I get to talk to all of you for a few minutes, and I got him to pick up dinner on his way home. (thanks!)

So, call me if you need me, but don't be mad if I forget to answer. And, have a great weekend!

It's a steal!

Our offer was accepted! That means - baring any unforeseen inspection finds - we will be moving into our new home this fall.

The picture above is the front of our new abode. Remember, I like a good project - so there is much to be done. (Starting with that hideous awning.)

Sparing everyone the pain that follows the announcement of housing costs in the greater Chicago area, I will say that we got a bargain. It has been on the market for over a year, but we are getting it for $119,000 less than the original asking price. (That's more than my mom's house sold for people!)

And, I call that a steal!

Now I have to get back to amassing paperwork for the bank.

House Hunting

My hubby and I have officially started looking for our first home. Like many of our friends we have found that buying a home in the Chicagoland area to be nearly impossible. Fairly, we are looking in some of the more affluent suburbs. But when coming up with 20% equals the same amount my mom's house sold for (even for a modest starter home) you can see how this can be hard to swallow.

With some money saved and a market that begs for first time homeowners, we decided that when our lease is up this October we would take the plunge. While this is an exciting first step for us, it is scary.

Two weeks ago we started by looking at four houses. One struck our fancy. While nearly every surface was painted with a faux finish (my guess is either high school art teacher or Trading Spaces superfan), it's nothing a little elbow grease can't fix. Today we had appointments to look at 16 houses, 14 made the cut, 4 made the shortlist (including the one from last week), and hopefully one will be our new home.

This lovely number has undergone something of a transformation over the last 18 months - beautiful yard, two car garage, three bedrooms, two bathrooms (master suite!!!), finished basement. And, while it still needs it's fair share of help, we're excited!

While the mortgage crisis means there are some great deals. It also means that buying this home is tricky. Some bank loaned the current owners more money than they can handle, and they have since defaulted. (While I am sad for this large family to lose their adorable home. I would like to buy that home for my someday family.) Not only does this mean getting bank approval for a short sale, it also means that - even in this market - we are already trying to outbid another offer.

My dad is coming up on Tuesday to give the structure a once over. Once blessed, I promise to fill everyone in with more details, but for now, keep your fingers crossed and you may get to visit us in our very own home later this year.