Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Bittersweet Changes


I've been holding back some big news...

I am moving.

Not only am I moving, but I'm buying my own condo!


I have been planning this and thinking about it for the past few years. Of course I always thought I would be taking this step with a fiance, but that's another Oprah.


To be honest with ya'll, I am totally and completely freaking out. It's a ginormous change for me on so many levels, I can't even explain. But I'll try with a nice pro/con list :)


PROS:


  1. Good financial investment

  2. Tax benefits

  3. Bigger place

  4. No mold, leaking pipes, running toilet, creepy landlord or loud upstairs neighbor

  5. Closer to yoga studio

  6. Away from ex-boyfriend (whom I can't seem to get over)

  7. It will force me to reconnect with other friends or even meet new ones

  8. Exciting to decorate my own place - I've become obsessed with decorating websites

  9. More space!!! 2 bedrooms and lots of closet space

  10. A big kitchen

  11. A washer and dryer - hello, I have not had one in 10 years!!!

  12. Dinner parties!

CONS:



  1. I will not be living across from the beach (I've been here 10 years)

  2. I will have to drive to my favorite runs - I've been very spoiled.

  3. Moving away from friends

  4. Away from ex-boyfriend (whom I can't seem to get over)

  5. The entire process of buying a home - shoot me now!

I guess the lists were a lot longer in my head. This entire process is completely stressful and annoying. I am supposed to close escrow March 30th. I hope so because I gave notice at my apartment to be out by April 15. It just seems that every little freakin' step takes a week to get done. There are A LOT of incompetent people out there.


I've been on an emotional roller coaster and it's taking a major toll on my body. I am always tired. Always. Exercise seems to only happen on the weekends because I can't get up early or stay up late to do it. I know it would help, but I just can't wake up in the morning - no matter what time I go to bed. If this continues after I move in, I will go to the doctor and make sure it's nothing serious. Oh wait - no I won't because I won't have insurance. Something else I am still stressed about.


I haven't stepped on a scale in a very long time. I don't want to face it yet. Some of my clothes are getting tighter - my casual jeans don't even button. I'll deal with all of this when I can. I am hoping I will get moved in, decorate my place, figure out my fall marathon, get back on track with training, meet a new man, have fun dinner parties, fall in love and live happily ever after. I don't think that's too much to ask for in a year. Do you? JUST PUTTING IT OUT THERE!

52 comments:

jen said...

Wow, Congratulations!!! This sounds like the start of a great new chapter for you. You'll find new running routes and new neighbors and everything will fall into place. Awesome.

HC said...

Congrats on the new place! That's so exciting!

I'm with you on the tired all the time/tight jeans front... we'll get back to a happy place, I'm sure.

Marcy said...

Ooooohhhhhhh this is definitely great news! Although I hear you on the stress. Even good things can be stressful.

Yeah I don't know what the deal is on the tiredness. I seem to have the same thing going on. I'm gonna up the iron and see if that helps :-/

Lisa from Lisa's Yarns said...

Congrats on taking the plunge into home ownership. The process is stressful, but oh so worth it. Like you, I never dreamed that I would buy a place on my own. And this year,I am looking to sell the condo I own & buy a house. Had you told me I would be on my 2nd single purchase at the age of 28, I would have told you that you were crazy. Life is full of surprises.

What a great time to buy, though. I am sure you are getting a steal of a deal & it will be a great investment. Good luck on the sleep thing - I hear you 100%. Me and mornings are not friends.

Aron said...

CONGRATS!!!!! this will be such an exciting fun new change for you.

Buying a house is SO STRESSFUL though... I was a basket case when we bought ours (plus it was at the end of tax season when I was in public accounting) GAH... I was really nervous to talk about it too until I had the keys in my hand. Hopefully the rest goes smoothly and you will be moved in soon!!! YAY congrats again!

Carolina John said...

i love it -- there are a lot of incompetent people out there. that's why the entire real estate and lending markets collapsed!

you picked a GREAT time to buy. really low interest rates and a buyers market with really depressed prices. You are making a smart investment here. I own 3 houses (and flipped 6 more over the last couple of years) and it will pay off in the long run.

wait until you go through closing -- you'll feel like you are signing your life and first born away. it's nuts. but when the dust settles you will feel so much better.

Bootchez said...

This sounds like it's a great change for you, and exactly what maybe you need at this time in your life . . . there is almost no bigger change than buying a house. So Stressful, though, there's nothing like it. It's definitely THE time to buy, though, and I hope you enjoy it all despite the stress and anxiety. Good luck!

PS Hell with the scale . . . I've thrown mine out!

Amber said...

That sounds great! I bet it is really stressful though. I'm sure once you get settled into your new place and everything sorted out you will feel less stressed and be able to get back into your routine!

I've never experienced it myself but I've heard that buying a house can be VERY stressful! I think things will fall back into place for you super fast after you move! Good for you :-)

Kelly said...

I don't think it's too much to ask at all. Hope you feel more energized soon.

ShutUpandRun said...

Pros seem to outweigh the cons, but I can see why it would be a tough decision. Sounds like the right one for where you are in your life now.

Amy - the gazelle said...

congrats! that is very exciting news - and it is stressful AND fun. especially the decorating.

bonus - you don't have to consider anyone else's taste when you decorate!

Sorry about the beach, though - that is the only con that I was with you on!

RunToTheFinish said...

it's definitely going to be a huge change, but one that I'm sure you will love..so long as you get some sleep and some relaxation!

I hope you can find a way to destress...maybe enjoy the last few days of staring at that beautiful beach which many of us have to travel by plane to see

Jogger said...

Purchasing a home is very frustrating and nerve-wracking...but congratulations anyway!! It all seems very overwhelming at the beginning, but things settle down.

Be thankful that you didn't buy your condo with a fiance...it makes the process even MORE annoying and frustrating--2 credit reports, 2 times the crap to move in and unpack!

Sometimes a change of scenery is all we really need. I got divorced and bought my own "girl power" condo. I was feeling completely liberated and ready to be single. I was thinking "Sex in the City"...then I met my BF like 4 minutes later. I still had Wine Wednesday parties, I just invited him.

Totally not as planned, and that's always how it happens. Hang in there. You have a lot on your plate right now, so be kind to yourself.

Alisa said...

So awesome!

I'll come down for a dinner party =).

Once you're all moved you are going to love having your own place. Can't wait to see pictures!

kristen said...

Sounds reasonable to me!

Congrats on the condo. Can't wait for some pictues of the decorating.

Chic Runner said...

Congrats POM! :) I think you and my BF are looking at the same places seriously. We need to get in a run soon! :) xoxo, you can have me at your dinner parties!

Tammy said...

Congrats on the condo!! Great news!

raulgonemobile said...

Sweet! Congrats!

Sarah said...

Other than the moving to a new place part, you and I have the same wish list!! :)

Christine said...

Hey as long as there are 2 bedrooms so I can come visit..I'm game! haha I hope to join you as a home owner in the near future as well :)

Jess said...

Wow girl that is exciting! Good luck with everything. I hope it goes well for you!

Christina said...

Congrats! Buying a house is seriously so stressful though. You're right about every step taking forever, and everything costs more than you think it will, and the paperwork is so incomprehensible. Just get through it!

Abby said...

Congrats on the big purchase - very exciting (and I totally understand the stress)!

J~Mom said...

Congratulations!! That is an exciting step!!

Jewcy Bits said...

Congrats. Longtime reader (Thanks to Heather), new commenter. I know you're probably overwhelmed but change is good. Change IS good. I speak from experience.

Elli said...

Definately not too much to ask for, and sounds like you are making a step in the right direction. Good time to buy! Congrats!

Sarah said...

Change - good and bad. It's rough. And good. Full of pros and cons - you're right on! Congrats and condolances :)

Julie D said...

Good luck with the move! I'm sure it will be an exciting new adventure!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations! I think the house is going to give you a fresh start. This is just the start of great things to come.

Michelle said...

GOOD LUCK CHICA!!!

GOOD MOVE!!!

Stuart said...

Congrats...yeah it's a heinous process but you'll be out of the pipe soon!

Carly said...

Congrats POM! That is really exciting.

Anne said...

I hope homeownership is everything you wish, and more. You'll find lots of new runs from your new place. It sounds like a nice location.

Run Mommy said...

That's great! You will get back on track sooner than later- stress is a bugger so once it is all done - you will be strong, healthy person AND a homeowner. Good for you!

X-Country2 said...

What great news! I loved owning my first place. Just painting the walls made me feel so happy and at home.

I think your 2009 sounds pretty exciting.

Mrs Furious said...

I'm into it. I think it's a good thing.

Petraruns said...

Don't give yourself such a hard time - buying a house is one of the most stressful things in life and running can't always be at the top of your list of priorities. Get this thing sorted and then get back into it - it's the best way to get to know a new neighbourhood! GOod luck.

Susan said...

WOW! Congrats! Everything WILL fall into place.

Good for you!

eurydice said...

congratulations - i have my own condo and it's the GREATEST thing ever. owning property especially as a single woman is VERY gratifying.

carrie said...

Absolutely not too much to ask for in a year! Congrats!

Danielle said...

Congratulations! What great, exciting news!!

audgepodge said...

Congrats! You'll be like a real adult now. :P I've been too scared to take the plunge myself. Good luck with everything!

Marci said...

Congratulations on your new place. It will only be short term stress, you will be so happy once you move and its your to decorate and do whatever you want!

sunshine said...

whoo hoo! Congrats!!!!!!

Judi said...

big congrats jessica. big congrats. you are doing the right thing. i am totally rooting for you honey. xxoo-judi

M*J*C said...

CONGRATULATIONS!!!! That's awesome news! I would venture to bet that once you get all settled in, everything else will start to settle down. And as for if your list of things to happen is too much to ask for in 1 year? Hell no it's not to much to ask for!

Amy said...

Good God, woman! (Side note: How would an Atheist phrase that last exclamation?? Hehe) You have a lot of shiz going on for sure. But it's mostly good - real estate, kicking the baggage to the curb, etc.

The insurance thing sucks balls, but you still have a job, no? Silver lining, doll...

Any progress with that thing we have in common??

Bert said...

A year or two from now you'll wonder why you didn't do it sooner. Yes moving is way beyond multiple root canals on the stress scale, but just take it step by step. Not to sound like your mom, but do make a special effort to exercise (more) - as I'm sure you know it is a stress killer second only to --- a long hot bath?

doctorval said...

Congratulations!

Moving is one of the big three so accept that it's stressful and let that one go. As far as the process, your worst enemy in this entire process will be your bank, next to the title company. The bank will drag their feet and make asinine requirements, the title company will be late to every party and lie about why they're late. They'll screw up their numbers and make you want to stab your eyes out with a fork. Just remember, knowledge is power. I've been in the business 33 years, so ping me if something doesn't make sense.

Jen is right, you'll find new routes and meet new people and things will be fabulous. I still have friends who I met at my first condo.

Most importantly, you'll need to get a wheelbarrow to collect your tax returns. Mortgage interest rocks at tax time.

Unknown said...

ok...you don't know me from Adam...and this has been a few days (I just discovered you) but I have great wisdom to impart...and I never could keep my mouth shut or my fingers still :o)

1. I will not be living across from the beach (I've been here 10 years)

you can put a sandbox next to the water hose in YOUR OWN frickin' backyard...

2. I will have to drive to my favorite runs - I've been very spoiled.

new place, new explorations, new favorite runs...

3. Moving away from friends

sleepovers = free painting buddies

4. Away from ex-boyfriend (whom I can't seem to get over)

trust me, this will help!

5. The entire process of buying a home - shoot me now!

ok, you got me on this one but this is why you, eventually, own it...that way you never have to go there again unless you want to.

and...pros you didn't mention:

you can paint any color you want

put as many nail holes as you want (if the frame is big enough it will cover this)

no rent hikes

you can get a dog

or a cat

or a chinchila!

seriously, good job and good luck to you!!

Nancy said...

Congrats. Just get through it, all the details will fall in place and you will never look back once you make this jump. I had my first condo at 22. (and I was a moron) You can do this. :)

Viv said...

Have you closed yet hun??

how exciting though girl and this is just me but i see one con that can be moved up to pro unless ya need a ride to Surf City start line or sumfin.