Settling In

So here we are in our new house.  Everything moved in.  Getting into a routine.  Life is pretty good.  It’s not just living in a house that I’m experiencing for the first time, but everything that comes with it.  It’ll take a bit of getting used to and a lot of it involves money.  For instance, I had to purchase a lawn mower.  I wanted to get the nice riding mower but the lady convinced me that our flat, reasonably sized yard doesn’t necessitate a rider and my body could use the exercise… can’t argue either points.  So I got the semi-inexpensive but still effective push mower.  Still, an expense that I forgot to anticipate.  There are also a few bills that I’ve never had to pay until now: gas, water, sewer, and trash.  It’ll definitely take a few months to acclimate to these new bills for budgeting consideration.  Also, don’t forget about appliances.  The fridge was a big one… still waiting to bite the washer/dryer bullet.  In all due time, I suppose.

A few quick notes:

-  Our neighbors have been great.  Very friendly.  I like the makeup and diversity of our area.  To me, this can’t be appreciated enough.  Coming from an apartment complex where everyone came and went with their heads down, I was greatly hoping for the warmth and camaraderie of a tight-knit neighborhood.  I think we have that.  If you’re checking out houses, don’t forget to ask the neighbors about the hood.

-  The in-laws recently came in from their native Chicago for a nice visit.  It was such a pleasure to see them and share the joys of our new house.  Good times were had.  There are really no tips or pointers I can give here... it’s just pleasant to have good in-laws.

-  We have a mushroom infestation in our back yard.  I was thinking of throwing one on the grill but I’m not sure they’re edible – I’ll report back… hopefully.

-  The Jimmy John’s is too far away.

-  My commute to/from work has been cut down by a few minutes, and when you’re sitting in rush hour traffic, it seems that every second counts.

There are still a lot of unfamiliar and foreign vibes in the house and area but each day brings more comfort.  The walls are still mostly barren and the furniture is carryover from our apartment but it really does feel like home.  The honeymoon phase is sustaining but I guess it’s only a matter of time before I tire of cleaning gutters and mowing the lawn. 

Don’t forget to check back next week for another update!