Amusement From Above

This lack of posting is entirely due to work, new house, rentals and just life in general.

Firstly, over Labor Day weekend, James' cousin, Tom, came over from Calgary for a little visit. The entire weekend was full of tennis. James playing in the Aurora Open (and he won the mens singles and doubles!). Then watching the US Open. We are both incredibly addicted to watching tennis. We had really wanted to go to NY to see the US Open this year, but obviously this did not occur.

This same weekend, we decided to look at a house which was a stones throw from T&M's place. They told us about this house for sale in their neighborhood. So, myself, James and Tom went to look at it. We could see T&M's place from the back windows! But the house was just too small really. Great house though. So we drove around a bit more and found another one we quite liked. The next day we arranged a showing.

Now, this other house we loved! It was a bit older but overall had everything that we wanted. The Master bedroom was on the small side though. The Master bath and kitchen needed some work though - we're talking totally redone. But the backyard was so private and pretty. The backyard was really worth dealing with the work that needed to be done. Plus, the basement was huge.

We put in an offer - they countered - we countered. Then nothing. Apparently, they were too busy with other things. Humm ... do you really want to sell your house??! So, two weeks went by and no response. We started looking again. Saw about another 15 places and then the last one we saw, we loved. It's newer, 2003 and huge. Of course, the price is HUGE too.

On Friday, we were informed they accepted our offer, which was $30k less than the asking price. Sweet! We accepted, forked over $5k in earnest money and have an inspection on Tuesday. This house on the other hand, needs NO work really. We want to finish the room in the basement and make it into a "movie room" though. The kitchen is amazing, really a gourmet kitchen. Guess that means I'd better get some skills in cooking. If all goes well, we'd move in Nov 3rd.

Moving on - my work is slowly getting better. I wake up less and less feeling like I want to vomit. And then headaches and just general severe stress has subsided, slightly. At this point, I'll take slightly.

The rentals - one has ONE room rented - 4 more to go. Our other place, housing the Section 8 people are moving at the end of October now too. You say, maybe not the best time to buy a new house? You're right! We are also keeping the townhouse and will rent that too. Hopefully, this one will be easier to rent out.

In October I am going to Virigina Beach for my cousin's wedding. I am excited to go because all my family will be there. Sadly though, a week after the wedding my cousin is going to Iraq - not in the military side, the civilian side - to fix things.

Basically, we've just been so busy. Tennis season is really winding down now, so our weekends will be free again.